PYRIMETHAMINE Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the generic name for Daraprim?
Pyrimethamine
Daraprim is an antiprotozoal medication used primarily to treat malaria and certain infections.
What is the combination of Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine known as?
Pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine
This combination is marketed under the brand name Fansidar and is used to treat malaria.
What is Pyrimethamine used for?
Prevention and treatment of toxoplasmosis and malaria
Pyrimethamine is specifically an antiparasitic drug.
What is Pyrimethamine?
An anti-parasitic medication that treats toxoplasmosis infections.
How do you get toxoplasmosis?
After contact with cat poop (feces) or eating contaminated food.
Why is folic acid given with pyrimethamine?
To reduce the risk of macrocytic anaemia in the treatment of toxoplasmosis
This combination is important because pyrimethamine can inhibit folate metabolism, leading to anaemia.
What is Pyrimethamine commonly sold under?
Daraprim
Pyrimethamine is marketed under various brand names, with Daraprim being one of the most recognized.
What diseases is Pyrimethamine used to treat?
Toxoplasmosis and cystoisosporiasis
Pyrimethamine is used in combination with leucovorin for these parasitic diseases.
What is the role of leucovorin when used with Pyrimethamine?
To decrease side effects of Pyrimethamine
Leucovorin itself does not have anti-parasitic activity.
What is the second-line option for preventing Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in people with HIV/AIDS?
Pyrimethamine with dapsone
This combination is used when other treatments are not suitable.
Why is Pyrimethamine no longer recommended for malaria treatment?
Due to resistance
Resistance has rendered Pyrimethamine ineffective for malaria.
How is Pyrimethamine administered?
By mouth
Pyrimethamine is taken orally.
What are common side effects of Pyrimethamine?
Gastrointestinal upset, severe allergic reactions, bone marrow suppression
These side effects can vary in severity among individuals.
Who should not use Pyrimethamine?
People with folate deficiency that has resulted in anemia
Folate deficiency can worsen the effects of Pyrimethamine.
What concern is associated with Pyrimethamine use?
Increased risk of cancer
There are concerns regarding the long-term safety of Pyrimethamine.
Is Pyrimethamine considered safe for use during pregnancy?
Unclear if safe for the baby
The safety of Pyrimethamine during pregnancy has not been definitively established.
How is Pyrimethamine classified?
As a folic acid antagonist
This classification reflects its mechanism of action.
What is the mechanism of action of Pyrimethamine?
Inhibits folic acid metabolism and DNA synthesis
This inhibition is crucial for its anti-parasitic effects.
