pyrimethamine · Medicine question

How does pyrimethamine act against parasites?

iatroX medicinesPublished 8 November 2026

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Pyrimethamine disrupts folic acid metabolism in Plasmodium and Toxoplasma parasites by competitively inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, with much greater affinity for the protozoal enzyme than the human enzyme.

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Daraprim TabletsGlaxoSmithKline UK · emc · SmPC §5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties · Version 23Document updated 2 January 2026

Sources checked 8 November 2026

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