TabletsClinical Overview
Primaquine Phosphate is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It is the sole widely used drug that eliminates dormant liver hypnozoites of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale, achieving radical cure and preventing relapses. Also exhibits gametocidal activity against P. falciparum, interrupting malaria transmission. Indicated for radical cure of vivax/ovale malaria and falciparum gametocytocidal therapy.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally once daily with food or milk for 14 consecutive days (for radical cure of P. vivax) as prescribed. Food substantially reduces abdominal cramps and nausea. Complete the full 14-day course without interruption.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, abdominal cramps, mild headache. Rare/Severe: Acute hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient individuals, methemoglobinemia (cyanosis, shortness of breath), leukopenia, and cardiac arrhythmias.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Mandatory test: Patients MUST be screened for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency prior to starting primaquine; severe, potentially fatal acute hemolysis occurs in deficient patients. Strictly contraindicated during pregnancy (fetal G6PD status is unknown) and in severe G6PD deficiency. Report dark urine or sudden paleness immediately.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered medical practitioner or qualified pharmacist before initiating, modifying, or substituting any medication regimen.