Primaquine Phosphate
Primaquine phosphate is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial medication. It targets the latent liver stages (hypnozoites) of P. vivax and P. ovale to prevent relapses. It also has gametocytocidal activity against P. falciparum, helping to limit malaria transmission. Prior screening for Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is mandatory before prescribing primaquine, as it can cause severe, life-threatening hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient individuals.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosages are expressed in terms of primaquine base (15 mg base is equivalent to 26.3 mg of primaquine phosphate). The standard pediatric dose is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base per kg body weight once daily for 14 days. It must be administered with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. G6PD status must be confirmed normal before starting treatment.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy not fully established in infants. Must confirm G6PD-normal status. Tablet crushing and dilution required for precise dosing.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg base
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Administer with food. G6PD testing required before initiation. Requires careful division of tablets or specialized compounding.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 2 mg to 3.75 mg base
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor closely for gastrointestinal tolerance and signs of hemolysis (dark urine, pale skin).
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 2.75 mg to 5.6 mg base
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Always administer with a meal. Monitor G6PD-related parameters.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 4 mg to 7.5 mg base
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- 7.5 mg base corresponds to half of a standard 15 mg base tablet.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg | Once daily for 14 days | Safety and efficacy not fully established in infants. Must confirm G6PD-normal status. Tablet crushing and dilution required for precise dosing. |
| 5-7 kg | 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg base | Once daily for 14 days | Administer with food. G6PD testing required before initiation. Requires careful division of tablets or specialized compounding. |
| 8-10 kg | 2 mg to 3.75 mg base | Once daily for 14 days | Monitor closely for gastrointestinal tolerance and signs of hemolysis (dark urine, pale skin). |
| 11-15 kg | 2.75 mg to 5.6 mg base | Once daily for 14 days | Always administer with a meal. Monitor G6PD-related parameters. |
| 16-20 kg | 4 mg to 7.5 mg base | Once daily for 14 days | 7.5 mg base corresponds to half of a standard 15 mg base tablet. |
Formulation
Purpose
Radical cure (prevention of relapse) of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale malaria, and terminal prophylaxis of malaria.
Generic Name
Primaquine PhosphateBranded Drug Names
Primaquine Phosphate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.