Primaquine Tablets are an antimalarial medication used to treat and prevent certain types of malaria.

Here are the key details:

• Main Uses:

  • Treatment of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale malaria, particularly to eliminate the dormant liver stages (hypnozoites) that can cause relapses.

  • Sometimes used for malaria prophylaxis in travelers to areas where malaria is prevalent.

• How It Works:

  • Primaquine kills the malaria parasites in the liver and prevents them from multiplying.

  • It is effective against both the liver stages and the gametocytes (the sexual form of the parasite), helping prevent transmission to others.

• Administration:

  • Taken orally, usually once daily for a specified number of days, as prescribed by the doctor.

  • Dose is based on body weight, age, and the type of malaria being treated.

  • Usually taken with food to reduce stomach upset.

• Common Side Effects:

  • Nausea, vomiting, or mild stomach discomfort.

  • Headache or dizziness.

  • Rare mild skin rash.

• Serious Concerns:

  • Can cause hemolytic anemia in people with G6PD deficiency (a genetic enzyme deficiency).

  • Rare allergic reactions, severe fatigue, or dark urine due to red blood cell breakdown.

  • May cause methemoglobinemia, a condition affecting oxygen delivery in the blood, in rare cases.

• Precautions:

  • G6PD testing is recommended before starting therapy to prevent hemolytic anemia.

  • Avoid use during pregnancy, especially in G6PD-deficient individuals, unless advised by a doctor.

  • Inform the doctor about other medications and existing health conditions.

  • Monitor for signs of anemia (fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath) during treatment.

• Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

👉 Primaquine Tablets are effective for eliminating liver-stage malaria and preventing relapses, but require careful screening for G6PD deficiency and monitoring for anemia.