Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Generic: Primaquine
Primaquine is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial drug used to prevent relapse of *Plasmodium vivax* and *Plasmodium ovale* malaria and to prevent *Plasmodium falciparum* malaria. It acts against the hypnozoite stage of these parasites, which is responsible for relapses. Primaquine is also gametocytocidal against all malaria species, preventing transmission to mosquitoes. It is usually administered in combination with another antimalarial drug for acute infections.
For preventing relapse and transmission of malaria, particularly *P. vivax* and *P. ovale*.
Primaquine phosphate tablets may cause hemolytic anemia, especially in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Patients should be screened for G6PD deficiency before primaquine is administered. Hemolytic anemia is most likely to occur during the first 14 days of therapy. In patients with G6PD deficiency, even small doses of primaquine phosphate tablets may produce hemolysis. Observe patients closely for evidence of hemolysis. Primaquine phosphate tablets should be discontinued immediately if there is evidence of hemolysis or if there is marked darkening of the urine. Severe hemolysis can be fatal.
Outcome:
Increased risk of methemoglobinemia
Mechanism:
Both drugs can induce methemoglobinemia.
Outcome:
May decrease primaquine effectiveness
Mechanism:
Acetaminophen may induce hepatic enzymes, increasing primaquine metabolism.
Outcome:
May increase primaquine absorption
Mechanism:
Food may enhance bioavailability.
Most likely new formulation: Liposomal primaquine for improved tolerability and efficacy (Year: 2028, 70% confidence)
Based on historical usage patterns and emerging resistance trends, there is a 20% likelihood of stricter regulatory guidelines for primaquine use within the next 5 years.
Antimalarial
8-aminoquinoline