Uses of Primaquine

Primaquine is used to treat malarial infections and to prevent its relapse.

Therapeutic Category

Primaquine: Antimalarial drugs

How Primaquine works

Primaquine is an antiparasitic medicine. It controls the growth and multiplication of malarial parasites within the body. It interacts with the parasites and disrupts their energy sources (mitochondria), which leads to the death of the parasite. It also prevents the relapses of infection by killing the malarial parasites during their early stages within the liver before they get released into the blood stream. 

Common side effects of Primaquine

• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain or discomfort
• dizziness
• anemia (low RBC count)
• heart burn
• skin rash
• low WBC count

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, severe itching of the skin with raised lumps, blisters in the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience signs of haemolytic anaemia (such as darkening of the urine, pale skin, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, light-headedness, shortness of breath)
• If you experience bluish lips or nails

Health Tips for Primaquine

• Take this medicine after meals to avoid the risk of stomach upset
• Drink an adequate amount of water while taking this medicine to ensure proper hydration. This can help prevent potential side effects such as dizziness or nausea
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it can increase the risk of side effects and may interact with the medication