Pyrimethamine Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (pir-ih-METH-uh-meen)
Pyrimethamine Oral Uses
This medication is usually used with other medications to treat a certain parasite infection of the body, brain, or eye (toxoplasmosis). Usually, pyrimethamine is no longer recommended for prevention or treatment of malaria. Pyrimethamine belongs to a class of drugs known as antiparasitics. It works by killing the parasites.
How To Use Pyrimethamine Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Pyrimethamine is usually taken once daily depending on the type of infection. If this medication causes nausea or stomach upset, take it with food.
Dosage is based on the type of infection, your age, your response to treatment. The length of time you will take this medication depends on your infection but is usually 4 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe another medication (folinic acid) to decrease the side effects.
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 at evenly spaced intervals, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
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 parasite to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
