Antimalarial

Primaquine

Primaquine

What is Primaquine?

Primaquine is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial used to eradicate liver stages of Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale, preventing relapse. It is the only antimalarial that effectively clears hypnozoites (dormant liver forms). Primaquine also has a gametocytocidal effect, making it valuable in reducing transmission of P. falciparum.

Uses of Primaquine :-

  • Radical cure of P. vivax and P. ovale malaria
  • Transmission prevention in P. falciparum
  • Malaria prophylaxis (less common)

Common Side Effects :-

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Hemolytic anemia (in G6PD deficiency)
  • Methemoglobinemia

Precautions & Warnings :-

  • Mandatory G6PD testing before use.
  • Avoid in pregnancy and lactation.
  • Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal effects.
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