Primaquine (Primaquine Phosphate) is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat malaria caused by mosquito bites in countries where malaria is prevalent. Malaria parasites enter the body through mosquito bites. They live in body tissues like the liver or red blood cells. The active ingredient in Primaquine is Primaquine Phosphate. Primaquine Phosphate belongs to a class of drugs called antimalarials. It works by killing the organisms that cause malaria. Primaquine is used after other medications like chloroquine have killed the malaria parasites inside red blood cells. The drug then kills the malaria parasites living in other body tissues to prevent reinfection.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Primaquine from Canada manufactured by Sanofi Aventis in the strength of 26.3 mg tablets. The generic Primaquine Phosphate is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Primaquine. The most common side effects of Primaquine may include the following:
• Abdominal cramps;
• Dizziness;
• Nausea;
• Stomach upset;
• Vomiting
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Fast heartbeat;
• Seizure;
• Shortness of breath;
• Signs of a serious infection, including high fever, severe chills, persistent sore throat;
• Weak pulse
These are not all of the side effects of Primaquine. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Primaquine if you are allergic to Primaquine Phosphate or any ingredient in Primaquine. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a history of blood problems;
• Have a personal or family history of reacting to fava beans;
• Have immune system disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis;
• Have low levels of blood enzymes
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Primaquine and other medicines like penicillin, cephalexin, levodopa, quinidine, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Primaquine may harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should have a pregnancy test before starting this medication. Use reliable forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment with Primaquine. Men should continue to use birth control for at least 3 months after stopping the treatment. Women should continue to use birth control for at least 1 menstrual cycle after the end of the treatment. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Primaquine passes into breast milk or if it may affect a nursing infant. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Take this drug with food to prevent stomach upset. Take a tablet once a day for 14 days. Taking the medicine at around the same time every day will help you remember to take it. Do not stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor. Skipping doses may make the infection resistant. If you are traveling to an area with mosquitoes, wear clothes that cover most of your body and use insect repellents to prevent mosquito bites. Primaquine may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or using machines until your symptoms resolve. Store Primaquine at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.