Pyrimethamine is an antibiotic which is used to treat and prevent a variety of infections, including Toxoplasmosis, an
infection of the brain. It can also be used to prevent certain types of malaria.
HOW should this drug be taken ?
Pyrimethamine is available as round white tablets in a strength of 25 mg.
This medication is usually used together with other drugs such as sulfadiazine or clindamycin in the treatment and
prevention of toxoplasmosis. Pyrimethamine is also usually given together with folinic acid (Leucovorin) to counteract the effects of pyrimethamine on the blood.
The treatment dose of pyrimethamine in adults 200 mg on the first day, then 50-100 mg daily for 6 weeks.
The preventative or suppressive dose of pyrimethamine is usually 25 mg daily.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you remember your missed dose close to the time for your next
dose, do not double your dose, just continue with your regular dosing schedule.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them?
Skin rash and itching can occur. If this happens, call your physician. Sometimes, other medications can be used to
control these adverse effects so that you can continue to take, and get the benefit of pyrimethamine. In the case that
you cannot tolerate pyrimethamine, other medications can be used to prevent or treat toxoplasmosis.
Decreases in white blood cells (needed to help fight infection), red blood cells (needed to help carry oxygen around your
body), and platelets (needed to help your blood clot) can also occur. Usually, they do not decrease enough to stop your
therapy. It is important to keep your appointments for regular blood work so that any changes can be monitored.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea can also occur. If these effects do happen, take the drug with food. If they remain bothersome, call the clinic.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED REGULARLY.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?
Tell your physician or pharmacist what prescription or nonprescription medications you are currently taking. As well,
before beginning any new prescription or nonprescription medications, discuss them with your physician or pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.
Before starting this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Use of pyrimethamine during pregnancy needs to be discussed with your physician.
How should this medication be STORED?
Pyrimethamine should be kept at room temperature well out of the reach of children. Do not store in your bathroom or refrigerator.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR NURSE, PHARMACIST, OR PHYSICIAN.
PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED
