Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic drug used to prevent and treat malaria. In addition, this drug can also be used to treat toxoplasmosis, which is a disease caused by parasitic infection Toxoplasma.
Pyrimethamine works by inhibiting the use of folic acid by the parasite. In the life cycle of the parasite, folic acid is required for the formation and growth of new parasites. That way, new parasites can be prevented from growing and developing.
Pyrimethamine trademarks:Primet
What is Pyrimethamine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antiparasitic, Antimalarial |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat malaria or treat toxoplasmosis |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Pyrimethamine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Pyrimethamine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Pyrimethamine
Follow your doctor's recommendations and advice when taking treatment with pyrimethamine. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take pyrimethamine if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or are currently suffering from G6PD deficiency, liver disease, epilepsy, kidney disease, megaloblastic anemia, alcoholism, thrombocytopenia, seizures, leukopenia, or malnutrition.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires alertness while you are taking pyrimethamine, as this medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking pyrimethamine before having surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking pyrimethamine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Pyrimethamine
Pyrimethamine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. The dose of pyrimethamine can be different for each patient. The following are general doses of pyrimethamine based on their intended use:
Purpose: Prevent malaria
To prevent malaria, the first dose is given 1–2 days before arriving in a malaria endemic area, then continued while in the area, and continued for up to 4–6 weeks after leaving the area.
- Mature: 25 mg, once a week
- Children <4 years old: 6.25 mg, once a week
- Children aged 4–10 years: 12.5 mg, once a week
Purpose: Treating acute malaria
- Mature: 75 mg daily as a single dose, in combination with 1.5 g of sulfadoxine
- Children aged 5–11 months: 12.5 mg daily as a single dose, in combination with 250 mg of sulfadoxine
- Children aged 1–6 years: 25 mg daily as a single dose, in combination with 500 mg of sulfadoxine
- Children aged 7–13 years: 50 mg daily as a single dose, in combination with 1 gram of sulfadoxine
Purpose: Treating toxoplasmosis
- Mature: 50–75 mg per day, combined with 1–4 g sulfadiazine
- Children: 1 mg/kg per day for 2–4 days, then 0.5 mg/kg per day for 4 weeks in combination with a child dose of sulfadiazine
How to Take Pyrimethamine Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the pyrimethamine package before starting to take it.
Pyrimethamine should be taken after meals. Take pyrimethamine as directed by your doctor. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
If you forget to take pyrimethamine, take it as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
While taking pyrimethamine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to this drug.
Store pyrimethamine in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Pyrimethamine Interactions with Other Drugs
Pyrimethamine can cause interactions when used with other medicines. The following are some of the possible drug interactions:
- Increases risk of liver damage when used with lorazepam
- Increased risk of bone marrow suppression (decreased function) if used with proguanil, sulfonamides, or zidovudine
- Increased risk of pancytopenia and megaloblastic anemia when used with cotrimoxazole or other sulfonamide drugs
Pyrimethamine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking pyrimethamine are:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- No appetite
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Easy bruising
- Bloody urine
- bloody CHAPTER
- Hard to breathe
- Irregular heartbeat
- Faint
- Seizures
