How does it work?

Pyrimethamine belongs to a group of medications called the antimalarials. It is combined with a sulphonamide antibiotic called sulfadoxine. This combination is used in the treatment of a type of malaria caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is caused by an organism which is classed as a protozoa and is a parasite which is carried by mosquitoes. During a bite from a mosquito, the parasite passes into the body. Once inside, it lives and reproduces. This results in the infection known as malaria. In the blood, malaria parasites break down a part of the red blood cells known as haemoglobin. When this happens haemoglobin is divided into two parts; haem and globin. Haem is toxic to the malaria parasite. To prevent it from being damaged, the malaria parasite produces an chemical which converts the toxic haem into a non-toxic compound. Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine work by blocking the production of a chemical called folinic acid inside the parasite. Folinic acid is essential in the production of new genetic material (DNA). DNA is necessary for the parasite to reproduce, therefore by blocking it's formation this prevents the malarial parasites from increasing in number. This combination is commonly used in conjunction with quinine in the treatment of malaria. It is not recommended for the prevention of malaria.

What is it used for?

Treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Warning!

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests.

Adequate folate supplementation should be given to women who are pregnant.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Kidney disease

Lack of the chemical G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)

Liver disease

Not to be used in

Allergy to any sulphonamide medicine

Blood disorders

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Liver failure

Premature babies and during the first two months of life

Severely decreased kidney function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Itching (pruritus)

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Seizures (convulsions)

Nausea and vomiting

Shortness of breath

Cough

Rash

Diarrhoea

Blood disorders

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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