PYRIMETHAMINE - ORAL

PYRIMETHAMINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (pir-ih-METH-uh-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Daraprim

GENERIC NAME(S): pyrimethamine

Uses

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. Pyrimethamine belongs to a class of drugs known as antiparasitics. It works by killing parasites.


How to use PYRIMETHAMINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: 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.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also How to Use section. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Some people using this medication may develop serious side effects including blood problems, especially at higher doses. This risk can be reduced with the use of folic/folinic acid and regular blood tests. Tell your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of serious infection (such as high fever, severe chills, persistent sore throat), signs of low red blood cell count (such as severe tiredness, pale lips/nails/skin, fast heartbeat/breathing with usual activities), swollen/painful tongue. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: bloody/pink urine, chest pain, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking pyrimethamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: seizures, kidney problems, liver problems, a certain type of low red blood cell count (megaloblastic anemia due to low blood folate), low folic acid levels from other conditions (such as malnutrition, problems with absorption of food, alcoholism), low red/white blood cell counts, low blood-clotting cell (platelet) count. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Folic acid is very important during pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe folic/folinic acid to prevent low folate levels. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: lorazepam, penicillamine, sulfa drugs (such as sulfamethoxazole), drugs that can lower folate levels (such as phenytoin, trimethoprim), drugs that can lower blood counts (such as proguanil, zidovudine, chemotherapy including methotrexate, daunorubicin, cytosine).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: abdominal pain, severe/repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, seizures, slow/shallow breathing, inability to wake up.

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DARAPRIM 25 MG TABLET

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DARAPRIM A3A
DARAPRIM 25 MG TABLET

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DARAPRIM A3A
DARAPRIM 25 MG TABLET

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DARAPRIM A3A

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Faq for PYRIMETHAMINE - ORAL

Pyrimethamine is an oral medication that is used to treat or prevent malaria infections, as well as certain types of parasitic infections.

It is usually taken once a week or as directed by your doctor. It is important to take the medication with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare professional.

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly.

Pyrimethamine should not be used if you have a known allergy to the medication or if you have severe liver disease. It may also interact with certain other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Pyrimethamine should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is not recommended to be used while breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing infant.

The exact time for Pyrimethamine to start working may vary depending on the condition being treated. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better.

Using Pyrimethamine for any condition other than what it is prescribed for should be avoided, as it may not be effective and could potentially cause harm. Always consult with your doctor before using any medication for an unapproved use.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Pyrimethamine. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects and may also decrease the effectiveness of the medication.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.