PRIMAQUINE

It is the Beta-aminoquinoline antimalarial. It is readily absorbed, rapidly metabolised and only a small proportion of the administered dose is excreted as the parent drug. Plasma concertration reaches a maximum in about 6 hours. Primaquine is highly active against the primary exo-erythrocytic forms of P.vivax and P.falciparum. The drug is also active against the asexual blood forms of P.falcipanem & its great clinical value lies in the medically curative treatment of vivax malaria.

Indications

Radical cure of vivax and other relapsing malarias

Dosage

Adults: 15 mg daily for 14 days. Children: 0.3 mg/kg/day as a single daily dose for 14 days.

Contra-Indications

Patients suffering from systemic disease characterized by a tendency to granulocytopenia. Other patientially hemolytic drugs.

Special Precautions

Paediatrics: Reduced dose necessary. Pregnancy & Lactation Contraindicated.

Side Effects

Abdominal cramps, epigastric distress, anemia, cyanosis, & leukocytosis.