Pyrimethamine
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Chetan Lokhande, M.B.B.S [2]
Overview
Pyrimethamine (trade name Daraprim) is a medication used for protozoal infections. It is commonly used as an antimalarial drug (for both treatment and prevention of malaria), and is also used (combined with sulfadiazine) in the treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infections in immunocompromised patients, such as HIV-positive individuals. It is also currently being evaluated[1] in clinical trials as a treatment for ALS. In 2011, researchers have discovered that Pyrimethamine can increase ß-hexosaminidase activity, thus slowing down the progression of Late-Onset Tay–Sachs disease.
References
Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.
Category
Antimalarial
US Brand Names
FDA Package Insert
Description | Clinical Pharmacology | Microbiology | Indications and Usage | Contraindications | Warnings and Precautions | Adverse Reactions | Drug Interactions | Overdosage | Clinical Studies | Dosage and Administration | How Supplied | Labels and Packages
Mechanism of action
Pyrimethamine interferes with tetrahydrofolic acid synthesis from folic acid by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Tetrahydrofolic acid is needed for DNA and RNA synthesis in many species, including protozoa. It has also found to inhibit SOD1, a key protein involved in ALS.