Notice: Images are for illustration only and may not reflect the exact product you receive. Brand-name medications may look different depending on their country of origin—Canadian versions, for example, often include a "PR" symbol on the packaging. Rest assured, the medication, dosage, and active ingredients will be exactly as prescribed. Canada Pharmacy Store is committed to your health and safety, and we work only with licensed pharmacies to ensure you receive trusted, high-quality medication every time.
General Medication Fact Sheet for Primaquine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Primaquine |
| Generic Name | Primaquine |
| Boxed/Label Warning | G6PD deficiency: Hemolytic anemia may occur in individuals with G6PD deficiency. Screen patients before use. |
| Purpose | Antimalarial used for prophylaxis and treatment of malaria, and for radical cure of vivax and ovale malaria. |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts as a gametocytocide and schizonticide. Disrupts parasite mitochondria and interferes with electron transport. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 26.3 mg (15 mg base) |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily or as directed by a healthcare provider. Varies by indication (prophylaxis vs. treatment). |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache. |
| Serious Side Effects | Hemolytic anemia (especially in G6PD-deficient individuals), methemoglobinemia, agranulocytosis, arrhythmias, neuropsychiatric effects. |
| Drug Interactions | Quinacrine, other drugs that cause hemolytic anemia, drugs that prolong the QT interval. |
| Important Notes | Screen for G6PD deficiency before use. Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Avoid alcohol. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, Mefloquine, Chloroquine (for sensitive strains) |
Primaquine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) | Inhibits parasitic mitochondrial electron transport and dihydrofolate reductase. | Used for malaria prophylaxis and treatment; fewer side effects than some alternatives. |
| Doxycycline | Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. | Broad-spectrum antibiotic also effective as malaria prophylaxis. |
| Mefloquine | Unknown mechanism, thought to disrupt parasite membranes. | Used for malaria prophylaxis and treatment; associated with neuropsychiatric side effects in some individuals. |
| Chloroquine | Interferes with parasite digestive vacuole function. | Effective against chloroquine-sensitive strains of malaria. Resistance is common. |
Primaquine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Hemolytic anemia (especially in G6PD deficient individuals) |
| Vomiting | Methemoglobinemia |
| Stomach cramps | Agranulocytosis |
| Headache | Arrhythmias (QT prolongation) |
| Dizziness | Neuropsychiatric effects (anxiety, depression, psychosis) |
Primaquine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaria Prophylaxis | 26.3 mg (15 mg base) daily | 26.3 mg (15 mg base) daily | Begin 1-2 days before entering malaria-endemic area, continue daily during stay, and for 7 days after leaving. Take with food. |
| Radical Cure of Vivax/Ovale Malaria | 26.3 mg (15 mg base) daily | 26.3 mg (15 mg base) daily for 14 days | Administered after treatment with a schizonticidal agent (e.g., chloroquine). Take with food. |
Primaquine Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $20 |
| From Canada | $40 |
