What is Primaquine?

Primaquine is an antimalarial drug. The exact way that primaquine works is unknown.
Primaquine is used to treat and prevent malaria.
Primaquine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Primaquine?

Notify your doctor if your urine turns dark.
Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Primaquine may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Primaquine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• a history of an allergic reaction to previous primaquine therapy,
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency,
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• lupus erythematosus, or
• quinacrine (Atabrine) therapy

You may not be able to take primaquine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether primaquine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take primaquine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known how primaquine will affect a nursing baby. Do not take primaquine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Primaquine Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Primaquine?
Stop taking primaquine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (flushing; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face, difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; vision problems; a rash; or itching).
Notify your doctor if you experience darkening of your urine.
Nausea, stomach pain or upset, vomiting, and loss of appetite may also occur during therapy.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Primaquine Interactions

What other drugs affect Primaquine?

Do not take primaquine if you have recently taken quinacrine (Atabrine). These two drugs are similar and can cause dangerous side effects if they are taken together.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with primaquine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What should I avoid while taking Primaquine?

Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Primaquine may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.

Primaquine Dosage

How should I take Primaquine?

Take primaquine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take primaquine with food to lessen stomach upset.
Store primaquine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Primaquine?

Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a primaquine overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and stomach cramps.

What happens if I miss a dose of Primaquine?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com