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Primaquine
INFORMATION ABOUT PRIMAQUINE
Primaquine Uses
Primaquine is used in the treatment of malaria.
How Primaquine works
Primaquine is an antiparasitic medication that treats malaria. It works by increasing the levels of haeme in the blood, a substance toxic to the malarial parasite. This kills the parasite and stops the infection from spreading.
Common side effects of Primaquine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Epigastric pain, Abdominal cramp, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Hemolytic anemia, Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), Qt interval prolongation, Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Itching, Rash
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Swati Mishra
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MBA, MD Pharmacology
Last updated
23 Sep 2025 | 09:46 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Primaquine
Expert advice for Primaquine
- Primaquine is used for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
- Take it with food to decrease the risk of stomach upset.
- Tips to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Wear light-colored and covered clothing when you are outside after sunset.
- Use insect repellent creams or sprays on parts of your body not covered by clothing.
- Spray to kill any mosquitoes that may have entered rooms despite screening.
- It may cause a blurring of vision when you first start taking it. Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration.
- Eye examination before and at 3–6 monthly intervals during use is required if patients are receiving Primaquine at continuous high doses for a longer duration.
- It may cause low blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar level regularly, if you are diabetic.
- When used long-term, your doctor may monitor the amounts of the different types of blood cells in your blood regularly. Inform your doctor if you have unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, fever, or a general feeling of tiredness.
Frequently asked questions for Primaquine
Use of Primaquine should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Primaquine or any of its components. However, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are using Primaquine for the first time, consult your doctor.
Before starting treatment with Primaquine, inform your doctor if you have any other health problems (related to kidney or heart). This is because certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even need dose modifications. Also, let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Primaquine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
If you forget a dose of Primaquine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
No, do not stop taking Primaquine without consulting your doctor even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, for better and complete treatment, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.