pyrimethamine /pir′imeth″əmēn/ , an antimalarial. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of malaria and toxoplasmosis. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Use is contraindicated in chloroguanide-resistant malaria, in patients with megaloblastic anemia resulting from folate deficiency, and in patients who are hypersensitive to the drug. Caution is recommended in use of the drug to treat toxoplasmosis because dosages needed may be at a toxic level. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects, primarily with large doses, are megaloblastic anemia, atrophic glossitis, leukopenia, and convulsions.
