Primaquine

Common use

Primaquine is a medication to treat or prevent malaria, a disease caused by parasites. primaquine works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the body.
Vivax malaria is a form of malaria in which parasites travel from the bloodstream into other cells and tissues of the body. This can cause a second infection (relapse) to occur. Primaquine is used to prevent malaria from coming back in people who have been infected with the vivax form of this disease.

Dosage and direction

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. The usual dose of primaquine is 1 tablet daily for 14 days. Take primaquine for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking this medicine to treat malaria, your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Precautions

To make sure primaquine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; heart disease, heart rhythm disorder (including slow heartbeats); long QT syndrome; an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); a personal or family history of becoming ill after eating fava beans; or if you are of a certain ethnic background (Southern Europe, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, African, Southeast Asian, Oceanic).

Contraindications

You should not use primaquine if you are allergic to it, or if: you have an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis; or you are pregnant or may become pregnant; or you have recently used another malaria medicine called quinacrine or Atabrine.
Primaquine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using primaquine, whether you are a man or a woman. If you are a woman, keep using birth control after you stop taking primaquine, until you have at least one menstrual period. If you are a man, keep using condoms for at least 3 months after your last dose.
It is not known whether primaquine passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking primaquine and call your doctor at once if you have: fever; dark colored urine; pale or yellowed skin; or confusion or weakness.
Common side effects of primaquine may include: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps; irregular heartbeats; rash; or dizziness.

Drug interaction

Primaquine can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with primaquine.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, heartburn, stomach cramps, weakness, pale skin, and blue lips or fingernails. Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.