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Pyrimethamine
INFORMATION ABOUT PYRIMETHAMINE
Pyrimethamine Uses
Pyrimethamine is used in the treatment of malaria and Cerebral malaria.
How Pyrimethamine works
Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic medication which treats malaria. It works by increasing the levels of haeme in the blood, a substance toxic to the malarial parasite. This kills the parasite and stops the infection from spreading.
Common side effects of Pyrimethamine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Abnormal bruising, Abnormal skin pigmentation, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Change in blood test results, Dizziness, Headache, Vomiting, Weakness, Diarrhea, Nausea
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Mayank
Pharm.D
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
28 Mar 2025 | 05:02 AM (UTC)
We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information
Read our editorial policy
Medicine brands for Pyrimethamine
Daramin
₹15 to ₹15
Indica Laboratories Pvt Ltd
1 variant(s)
Expert advice for Pyrimethamine
  • Pyrimethamine should be taken with food to prevent a stomach upset. 
  • Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
  • Tips to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes:
    • Wear light-colored and covered clothing when you are outside after sunset.
    • Use insect repellent creams or sprays on parts of your body not covered by clothing.
    • Spray to kill any mosquitoes that may have entered rooms in spite of screening.
  • Inform your doctor if you have kidney liver or heart disease.
  • Pyrimethamine should be taken on an empty stomach.
  • Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
  • Tips to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes:
    • Wear light-colored and covered clothing when you are outside after sunset.
    • Use insect repellent creams or sprays on parts of your body not covered by clothing.
    • Spray to kill any mosquitoes that may have entered rooms in spite of screening.
  • If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the tablets, take another dose. 
  • Inform your doctor if you have kidney liver or heart disease.
Frequently asked questions for Pyrimethamine
Pyrimethamine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
Use of Pyrimethamine should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Pyrimethamine or any of its components. However, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are using Pyrimethamine for the first time, consult your doctor.
Before starting treatment with Pyrimethamine, inform your doctor if you have any other health conditions like kidney or heart-related problems. This is because certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even need dose modifications. Also, let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you forget a dose of Pyrimethamine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
No, do not stop taking Pyrimethamine without consulting your doctor even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, for better and complete treatment, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.
Symptoms of malaria can develop as quickly as 7 days after you are being bitten by an infected mosquito. Typically, the time between being infected and the appearance of symptoms (incubation period) is 7 to 18 days. However, in some cases it can take up to one year for the symptoms to develop. Initial symptoms of malaria are flu-like which include feeling hot and shivery, muscle pains, vomiting, headaches and diarrhea.
Malaria can be avoided by taking the right approach towards prevention. Avoid mosquito bites by covering your arms and legs, using mosquito net and insect repellent. Check with your doctor whether you need to take malaria prevention tablets. If you do, make sure you take the right antimalarial tablets at the right dose, and finish the proper course of treatment. Seek immediate medical advice from the doctor if you have malaria symptoms.