Pyrimethamine is an anti-parasitic medication that treats toxoplasmosis infections. You get toxoplasmosis after contact with cat poop (feces) or eating contaminated food. You can take this tablet by mouth with a glass of water as directed. Make sure you take all of your medication as directed even if you feel better.
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PYRIMETHAMINE (peer i METH a meen) treats infections caused by parasites. It works by killing the parasite. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Daraprim
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. If you get a skin rash, stop taking your medication and contact your care team right away.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. Talk to your care team about reliable contraception.
You may need to take folinic acid while you are taking this medication. Talk to your care team.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication is very dangerous in overdose.
Store between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.