Daraprim

Pyrimethamine is the active ingredient in an antimalarial medicine called Daraprim. This drug is manufactured by Glaxo Wellcome in the UK and is used to treat and prevent malaria and to treat toxoplasmosis.

Daraprim is available in the form of tablets with a dosage of 25 mg. It contains pyrimethamine, which is an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase, which leads to disruption of the synthesis of tetrahydrofolic acid, necessary for the synthesis of DNA in microorganisms. This makes it possible to effectively fight against malarial plasmodium and toxoplasma.

When using Daraprim, side effects may occur, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, convulsions and others. In case of overdose, convulsions may occur, which require intravenous administration of seduxen or barbiturates.

Contraindications to the use of Daraprim include hypersensitivity to the drug, diseases of the hematopoietic organs and kidneys, first trimester of pregnancy, breastfeeding (excluded during treatment), infancy (up to 2 months).

Interactions with other drugs should also be taken into account when using Daraprim. Antimalarials increase (mutually) activity, and quinidine and warfarin may increase toxicity. Antifolate drugs and cytostatics can potentiate myelosuppression.

When treating with Daraprim, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and additionally take folic acid and vitamin B12. Weekly monitoring of renal function and a complete blood count are also necessary when using high doses.

In general, Daraprim is an effective antimalarial drug, but its use should be carried out under the supervision of a physician and taking into account all contraindications and possible side effects.