Primaquine

Category:

Antimalarial

Description:

8-aminoquinoline, related to 4- aminoquinoline

Indications:

· P. vivax malaria treatment

Contraindications:

Concomitant administration of quinacrine
Concomitant administration of poitentially hemolytic or bone marrow suppressive medications

Precautions:

Pregnancy category C
Patients suffering from P. vivax malaria should receive chloroquine which quickly destroys erythrocytic parasites and terminates paroxysm. Primaquine destroys exoerythrocytic parasites.
Anemia or methemoglobinemia with large doses
Do not exceed recommended doses
Perform routine blood counts and hemoglobin determinations during therapy
Report signs of “chinconism” (tinnitis, headache, nausea, vision changes)
Dosages expressed in form of Primaquine base:
- Primaquine Phosphate 26.3mg = Primaquine base 15mg

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, cramping
Hematologic: leukopenia, hemolytic anmeia in patient with G-6-PD deficiency

Dosage:

Administered orally
Dosages listed in Primaquine base strength (PB)
Begin therapy during last two weeks of, or following a course of, suppression with Chloroquine or comparable medication
Malaria treatment:
- Adult: 315mg PB every day for 14 days
- Child: (dosed per weight): 0.3mg/kg/day PB every day for 14 days

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300