Pyrimethamine
from class: Microbiology Definition Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic drug primarily used to treat toxoplasmosis and malaria. It works by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme necessary for the replication of protozoal DNA.
congrats on reading the definition of pyrimethamine . now let's actually learn it.
Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test Pyrimethamine is often combined with sulfadiazine to enhance its efficacy against Toxoplasma gondii. The drug can cause side effects such as bone marrow suppression, which necessitates monitoring blood cell counts during treatment. Pyrimethamine is classified as a folic acid antagonist because it disrupts the production of tetrahydrofolic acid in parasites. It has been used both in prophylaxis and treatment of malaria, particularly for strains resistant to other antimalarial drugs. Resistance to pyrimethamine can occur through mutations in the dihydrofolate reductase gene of the parasite. Review Questions What enzyme does pyrimethamine inhibit, and why is this important? Why is pyrimethamine often combined with sulfadiazine in treating toxoplasmosis? What are common side effects associated with pyrimethamine? "Pyrimethamine" also found in:
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved. AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.