Pyrimethamine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Daraprim

Proper Use of This Medicine

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Overdose is especially dangerous in children.

If this medicine upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, it may be taken with meals or a snack.

If you are taking this medicine to treat malaria , take the number of tablets your doctor told you to take (up to 3) once, as a single dose, along with other medicine your doctor gave you. If you develop a fever and are not near a medical facility, and are taking this medicine to treat what you think may possibly be malaria, take the number of tablets your doctor told you to take (up to 3) once, as a single dose.

This medicine works best when you take it on a regular schedule. If you are to take two doses a day, one dose may be taken with breakfast and the other one with the evening meal. Make sure that you do not miss any doses . If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Dosing - The dose of pyrimethamine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of pyrimethamine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking pyrimethamine .

• For the treatment of malaria :
  • Adults and adolescents: 25 milligrams of pyrimethamine daily together with a sulfonamide for 2 days. These two medicines may also be taken with other medicine. This will be determined by your doctor.
  • Children: Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by the doctor. Pyrimethamine may be taken together with other medicines.
• For the treatment of toxoplasmosis :
  • Adults and adolescents: Starting dose if 50 to 75 milligrams of pyrimethamine daily taken together with other medicines for several weeks. After one to three weeks, your doctor may lower your dose. The proper dose for you must be determined by the doctor.
  • Children: Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor.
• For the prevention of malaria :
  • Adults and adolescents: 25 milligrams taken once a week.
  • Children: Dose is based on age and must be determined by the doctor.

Missed dose - If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. This will help you to keep taking your medicine on a regular schedule. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose is very dangerous.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.