Pyrimethamine Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are taking this medicine for more than 3 days, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have drug or alcohol addiction, talk with healthcare provider.

• Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.

• If you have poor absorption, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Other protective measures are needed along with this medicine including using screens, bednetting, insect repellent (10% to 35% DEET), and permethrin spray on clothing and nets. Avoid spraying most insect repellents on children. Decrease evening and night-time outdoor activity.

• Folic acid may be needed to prevent side effects. Talk with healthcare provider.

• If you are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, talk with healthcare provider. You may need even higher doses of folic acid.

• Pregnant females traveling to malaria infested areas should discuss the risks with a healthcare provider first.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Belly pain.

• Anemia and low platelet count can rarely occur.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Fever that occurs while in or after return from the malaria area.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.