A Study of Pyrimethamine in the Treatment of Infection by a Certain Parasite in HIV-Positive Patients
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
1995-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
To determine the manner in which pyrimethamine is metabolized and excreted in patients
currently receiving zidovudine (AZT). An important goal of this measurement is to establish
the optimal dose of pyrimethamine necessary to prevent the development of toxoplasmosis in
AIDS patients or delay the subsequent return of toxoplasmic encephalitis.
Encephalitis caused by Toxoplasma gondii has emerged as the most frequent cause of focal
central nervous system infection in patients with AIDS. Untreated, the encephalitis is fatal.
The best treatment for this disease has not been determined. Presently it is standard
practice to administer a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. Little is known about
the pharmacokinetics of pyrimethamine in patients with AIDS receiving AZT. Furthermore, there
are reports that patients already exposed to toxoplasmosis may not have uniform absorption of
pyrimethamine.
Phase:
Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)