Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The display and use of drug information on this site is subject to express terms of use (click here). By continuing to view the drug information, you agree to abide such terms of use.

Pyrimethamine Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: PYRIMETHAMINE - ORAL
Pronounced: (pir-ih-METH-uh-meen)

Pyrimethamine Oral Uses

This medication is used with other medication (such as a sulfonamide) to treat a serious parasite infection (toxoplasmosis) of the body, brain, or eye or to prevent toxoplasmosis infection in people with HIV infection. Rarely, pyrimethamine is used with sulfadoxine to treat malaria. The CDC no longer recommends using pyrimethamine alone to prevent or treat malaria. Pyrimethamine belongs to a class of drugs known as antiparasitics. It works by killing parasites.

How To Use Pyrimethamine Oral

Take this medication by mouth usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication with food to decrease nausea and vomiting. If vomiting is severe or continues, your doctor may lower your dose or direct you to stop taking this medication. Your doctor will prescribe another medication (folic/folinic acid) to prevent blood problems caused by pyrimethamine. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney problems if you are taking a "sulfa" medication with pyrimethamine.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug and other antiparasitic drugs regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Dosage is based on the type of infection, your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. The length of time you will take this medication depends on your infection. Your dose must be carefully adjusted by your doctor to treat your infection and prevent serious side effects. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed. Do not stop taking it before completing this prescription unless directed to do so by your doctor, even if you feel better. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of parasites to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised September 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.