Primaquine is a drug to prevent and treat malariaa. Malaria is a disease caused by infection with the Plasmodium parasite which is transmitted through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. Primaquine will generally be combined with other antimalarial drugs.
Primaquine works by interfering with the metabolism of parasitic cells. In addition to treating malaria, this drug can also be used to prevent Plasmodium infection (chemoprophylaxis) if a person is going to a malaria endemic area.
Primaquine trademark: Primaquine Phosphate
What is Primaquine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antimalarial |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat malaria |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Primaquine for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Primaquine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Medicine Form | Tablet |
Warning Before Mengconsumption Primaquine
Primaquine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. The following are some things to consider before using primaquine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Primaquine should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell the doctor if you sufferdeficiency glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), methemoglobinemia, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), anemia, or an autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Tell your doctor if you or your family have or have had heart disease, including heart rhythm disturbances or heart failure.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not do things that require vigilance, such as driving a vehicle after taking primaquine. This medicine may cause dizziness.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after using primaquine.
Primaquine Dosage and Usage
The primaquine dose given by the doctor depends on the goals of treatment and the patient's response to treatment. To treat malaria infection caused by P. vivax and P. ovale, the dosage according to the patient's age is as follows:
- Adults: 15 mg daily for 14 days. Treatment will be combined with other antimalarial drugs. The dose can be increased or the duration of treatment can be extended according to the patient's condition.
- Children: 250 mvg/kg, once daily, for 14 days. The maximum dose is 15 mg per day.
In addition, this drug can also be used to prevent malaria infection. The dosage and duration of use will be determined by the doctor.
How to Mengossip Primaquine Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information listed on the drug packaging before taking primaquine. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Primaquine should be taken with food or immediately after eating to reduce the risk of stomach upset. Take this medication at the same time each day for primaquine to work effectively.
Do not stop taking the drug before the prescribed time, except on the advice of a doctor. If you forget to take primaquine, take this drug immediately if the gap between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
During treatment with primaquine, your doctor will ask you to have regular blood tests to monitor your body's response to the drug.
Store primaquine in a closed container in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Primaquine Interactions with Other Drugs
Below are the effects of drug interactions that can occur if primaquine is used with certain drugs:
- Increased risk of side effects from primaquine when used with mepacrine
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances when used with dolasetron, procainamide, fingolimod, or quinidine
- Increased risk of bone marrow disorders that can decrease blood cell production if used with deferiprone or drugs that have a bone marrow suppression effect
Primaquine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after using primaquine are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizzy
- Stomach ache
- stomach cramps
Tell your doctor if your side effects do not subside or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a medication or a more serious side effect that is rare, such as:
- Serious infection characterized by high fever, chills, and sore throat
- Anemia that can be characterized by pale skin, tired, not excited.
- Very fast heart rate, very severe dizziness, or fainting
