Products
No medicines containing primaquine are currently registered in many countries.
Structure and properties
Primaquine (C15H21N3O, Mr = 259.3 g/mol) is an 8-aminoquinoline derivative and a racetate. It is present in drugs as primaquine bishydrogen phosphate, an orange crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Primaquine is derived from plasmoquine. It was developed in the 1940s.
Effects
Primaquine (ATC P01BA03) has antiparasitic properties. It is effective against the exoerythrocytic forms and against the gametocytes of plasmodia. It has no direct effects against the erythrocytic forms of the parasites.
Indications
For elimination of the exoerythrocytic forms in malaria.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Tablets are usually taken once daily for 14 days.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include digestive disturbances and blood count disturbances.