Primaquine
Primaquine is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial agent targeting the latent tissue forms (hypnozoites) of P. vivax and P. ovale in the liver, preventing disease relapse. It also possesses gametocytocidal activity against P. falciparum. Testing for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is mandatory prior to initiation to prevent acute hemolytic anemia.
Dosage by Body Weight
Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. G6PD status must be checked before starting therapy. Standard adult dose is 15 mg to 30 mg (base) once daily for 14 days.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Avoid use
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy are not established in infants under 6 months of age or under 5 kg.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg once daily
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Administer with food. Requires precise crushing and division of tablets.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 mg to 3.75 mg once daily
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure patient is G6PD-normal. Monitor for dark urine or pallor.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 3.75 mg to 5.6 mg once daily
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at approximately 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg. Administer with food.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 5 mg to 7.5 mg once daily
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- 7.5 mg corresponds to half of a standard 15 mg base tablet.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Avoid use | Safety and efficacy are not established in infants under 6 months of age or under 5 kg. |
| 5-7 kg | 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg once daily | Once daily for 14 days | Administer with food. Requires precise crushing and division of tablets. |
| 8-10 kg | 2.5 mg to 3.75 mg once daily | Once daily for 14 days | Ensure patient is G6PD-normal. Monitor for dark urine or pallor. |
| 11-15 kg | 3.75 mg to 5.6 mg once daily | Once daily for 14 days | Calculated at approximately 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg. Administer with food. |
| 16-20 kg | 5 mg to 7.5 mg once daily | Once daily for 14 days | 7.5 mg corresponds to half of a standard 15 mg base tablet. |
Formulation
Purpose
Radical cure and prevention of relapse in Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale malaria; gametocidal action in Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Generic Name
Primaquine PhosphateBranded Drug Names
Primaquine 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.