GENERIC NAME: PRIMAQUINE PHOSPHATE - ORAL (PRIM-uh-kwin FOSS-fate)
BRAND NAME(S): Primaquine
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is used to prevent and treat malaria.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed. This may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or muscle weakness may occur especially the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these effects while taking this medication: rash, rapid heart rate, changes in vision, hearing trouble, ringing in the ears, dark urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders, arthritis, psoriasis, lupus erythematous, any enzyme deficiencies, liver disease, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: quinacrine, anti-cancer medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Malaria - Get the facts on malaria symptoms, signs, diagnosis, causes (Plasmodium parasite), treatment (medication), history and prevention, and learn the life cycle of the Anopheles mosquito.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows