Daraprim (Pyrimethamine)

Daraprim (Pyrimethamine) is a prescription medication used with other medications such as sulfonamide to treat parasitic infection (toxoplasmosis) of the brain (encephalitis), eyes, and other parts of the body. It may be used to prevent toxoplasmosis in people diagnosed with HIV infection. Daraprim may be used with anti-malaria medicine such as chloroquine or quinine to treat malaria. The active ingredient in Daraprim is Pyrimethamine. Pyrimethamine belongs to the class of drugs called antiparasitic agents. It works by killing the parasite responsible for the infection. Pyrimethamine is well absorbed and has an onset of action an hour after oral administration. It is eliminated slowly and has a plasma half-life of approximately 80-95 hours. Daraprim may be used for other conditions not mentioned in this guide.

Manufacturer Information

Get medical help immediately if you have any signs of an allergic reaction while taking Daraprim. The most common side effects of Daraprim may include the following:
• Headache;
• Loss of appetite;
• Low blood level (anemia);
• Nausea and vomiting

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Allergic reactions including rash, difficulty with breathing, and swelling at a different parts of the body;
• No improvement in your condition;
• Sore throat or mouth ulcer;
• Sudden fall;
• Severe abdominal pain or cramps;
• Severe vomiting

You should not take Daraprim if you are allergic to Pyrimethamine or sulfonamide or have lactose intolerance. Daraprim is a tablet and should be swallowed whole with a cup of water. Daraprim is usually prescribed with folic acid to prevent the occurrence of megaloblastic anemia. You should follow your prescription label carefully. You should drink enough water to avoid dehydration, which may cause kidney problems if you take sulfonamide with Pyrimethamine. Do not stop taking it before completing this prescription unless directed by your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping your medication may worsen the infection, make the condition more difficult to treat, or last longer. Tell your doctor if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if your symptoms worsen.

Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have kidney diseases or difficulty making urine;
• Have liver problems;
• Have low blood level (megaloblastic anemia);
• Have seizure

Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. It is advisable not to take Daraprim tablets during pregnancy. It can harm your baby. However, your doctor may prescribe folic acid for you to prevent the growing baby from developing neural tube defects. You should discuss this with your doctor before taking Daraprim. Pyrimethamine passes into breast milk and may have a harmful effect on your child. Do not breastfeed if you are taking Daraprim. Ask your doctor for advice on alternative care. Pyrimethamine should not be used in children below 5 years. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Pyrimethamine and other medications such as eliglustat.

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