Primaquine
Brand: Primaquine phosphate
Antimalarial
8-aminoquinoline
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 7 hours |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Dose is strictly mg/kg-based; MUST check G6PD status before use. Hemolysis risk in G6PD deficiency; avoid in pregnancy and infancy where G6PD status is unknown. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Severe
Adverse Effects:
GI upset, methemoglobinemia, dose-related hemolytic anemia (especially in G6PD deficiency).
Contraindications:
Known G6PD deficiency, pregnancy, infants with unknown G6PD status.
Precautions:
Always obtain G6PD test where available; monitor Hb and symptoms of hemolysis; educate patients about dark urine, jaundice, breathlessness.