Pyrimethamine: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of action, Uses & Side effects

Chemical formula:

• C12H13ClN4

Structure of Pyrimethamine

Mechanism of action:

• Pyrimethamine is a selective inhibitor of Plasmodium DHFR, blocking the synthesis of nucleic acids in the parasite.

Uses:

• Pyrimethamine is used in combination with sulfadoxine (Fansidar®) to treat uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in areas with chloroquine resistance.

• It is also used in combination with other drugs for the treatment and prevention of toxoplasmosis.

Side effects:

• Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and rash.

• Rare but serious side effects include bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity, and severe skin reactions.