Primahec
Primahec is an antimalarial prescription medication containing Primaquine Phosphate. It targets the latent tissue stages (hypnozoites) of malaria parasites in the liver, preventing future relapses of P. vivax and P. ovale malaria. It is also used to destroy gametocytes of P. falciparum to restrict transmission.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be taken orally with food to avoid gastric irritation. It is mandatory to perform a G6PD deficiency test before starting Primahec, as G6PD-deficient individuals are at high risk of developing acute hemolytic anemia. Always complete the full course as directed by a healthcare provider.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy not established in infants under 6 months or weighing under 5 kg.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg base equivalent
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Dose calculated at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg. Take with milk or food. G6PD screening mandatory.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 mg to 5 mg base equivalent
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Dose calculated at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg. Take with milk or food. G6PD screening mandatory.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 3.75 mg to 7.5 mg base equivalent
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Dose calculated at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg. Take with milk or food. G6PD screening mandatory.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 5 mg to 10 mg base equivalent
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days
- Tracking Notes
- Dose calculated at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg. Take with milk or food. G6PD screening mandatory.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy not established in infants under 6 months or weighing under 5 kg. |
| 5-7 kg | 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg base equivalent | Once daily for 14 days | Dose calculated at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg. Take with milk or food. G6PD screening mandatory. |
| 8-10 kg | 2.5 mg to 5 mg base equivalent | Once daily for 14 days | Dose calculated at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg. Take with milk or food. G6PD screening mandatory. |
| 11-15 kg | 3.75 mg to 7.5 mg base equivalent | Once daily for 14 days | Dose calculated at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg. Take with milk or food. G6PD screening mandatory. |
| 16-20 kg | 5 mg to 10 mg base equivalent | Once daily for 14 days | Dose calculated at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg base/kg. Take with milk or food. G6PD screening mandatory. |
Formulation
Purpose
Radical cure and prevention of relapse in Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale malaria, and gametocytocidal action in Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Generic Name
Primaquine PhosphateScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.