Pyrimethamine (Daraprim)

Daraprim is an antimalarial medicine that uses pyrimethamine as an active ingredient, being able to inhibit the production of enzymes by the protozoan responsible for malaria, thus treating the disease.

Daraprim can be purchased from conventional pharmacies with a prescription in the form of boxes containing 100 tablets of 25 mg.

Price

The price of Daraprim is approximately 7 reais, however the amount may vary according to the place where the drug is purchased.

Indications

Daraprim is indicated for the prevention and treatment of malaria, along with other medicines. In addition, Daraprim can also be used to treat Toxoplasmosis, according to the doctor's indication.

How to use

How to use Daraprim varies according to the purpose of treatment and the age of the patient, with general guidelines including:

Malaria prevention

Adults and children over 10 years: 1 tablet per week;
Children aged 5 to 10 years: ½ tablet per week;
Children under 5: ¼ tablet per week.

Malaria treatment

Adults and children over 14 years: 2 to 3 tablets together with 1000 mg to 1500 mg of sulfadiazine in a single dose;
Children aged 9 to 14 years: 2 tablets together with 1000 mg of sulfadiazine in a single dose;
Children aged between 4 and 8 years: 1 tablet together with 1000 mg of sulfadiazine in a single dose;
Children under 4 years: ½ tablet together with 1000 mg of sulfadiazine in a single dose.

Side effects

The main side effects of Daraprim include skin allergies, palpitations, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, poor appetite, blood in the urine and changes in the blood test.

Contraindications

Daraprim is contraindicated in patients with secondary megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency or hypersensitivity to pyrimethamine or any of the components of the formula.

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