Daraprim

Generic name:pyrimethamine [ PIR-i-METH-a-meen ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antimalarials

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 2, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Daraprim?

Daraprim is an antiparasite medicine that helps prevent parasites from growing and reproducing in the body.

Daraprim is used in adults and children to treat or prevent certain types of malaria. However, this medicine is generally not preferred as a medicine to prevent malaria while traveling. When used to treat malaria, this medicine should be used together with a faster-acting anti-malaria medicine such as chloroquine or quinine.

Daraprim is also used to treat toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the Toxoplasma parasite.

Daraprim may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Daraprim if you have a blood cell disorder called megaloblastic anemia that has been caused by folate deficiency.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Daraprim if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a blood cell disorder called megaloblastic anemia that has been caused by folate (folic acid) deficiency.

To make sure Daraprim is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• seizures (especially if you take phenytoin);

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• alcoholism; or

• if you are malnourished.

Using Daraprim during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Daraprim, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

In some cases, Daraprim is given to pregnant women to treat toxoplasmosis. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Pyrimethamine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take Daraprim?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your dosage and the length of time you take Daraprim will depend on the reason you are taking this medicine. In some cases this medicine is taken for several weeks...