What it is used for
- Clearing the dormant liver stage of malaria caused by P. vivax and P. ovale to prevent relapses
- Reducing onward spread of P. falciparum malaria in some programmes
How it works
Primaquine targets the dormant 'hibernating' form of certain malaria parasites that hides in the liver, which other antimalarials miss. Clearing this stage prevents the malaria from coming back weeks or months later.
How it is taken
Taken as oral tablets, usually as a course alongside or after another antimalarial that clears the blood stage. It is often taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist directs and complete the full course.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
Serious effects — get help
- Sudden breakdown of red blood cells in people with G6PD deficiency, causing dark urine, pale skin, breathlessness, or extreme tiredness — seek urgent care
- Blue-grey discoloration of skin or lips (a sign of a blood-oxygen problem) — seek urgent care
- Unusual bruising or bleeding — contact your clinician
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Other medicines that can stress red blood cells
- Some medicines affecting the bone marrow
- Other antimalarials given in the same treatment plan
Who should take care
- A G6PD enzyme blood test is usually needed before starting, because primaquine can cause dangerous red-blood-cell breakdown in people who are deficient
- Tell your clinician about any blood disorders
- Inform your clinician if pregnant or breastfeeding, as it is generally avoided then
- Report any history of red-blood-cell problems