Pronunciation: PRIM a kwin

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

You should not use primaquine if you have an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or if you also use quinacrine (Atabrine).

What is primaquine?

Primaquine is a medication to treat or prevent malaria, a disease caused by parasites. This medicine works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the body.


Vivax malaria is a form of malaria in which parasites travel from the bloodstream into other cells and tissues of the body. This can cause a second infection (relapse) to occur.

Primaquine is used to prevent malaria from coming back in people who have been infected with the vivax form of this disease.

Primaquine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use primaquine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis; or
  • if you have recently used another malaria medicine called quinacrine or Atabrine.

To make sure primaquine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • heart disease, heart rhythm disorder (including slow heartbeats);
  • long QT syndrome;
  • a personal or family history of becoming ill after eating fava beans; or
  • if you are of a certain ethnic background (Southern Europe, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, African, Southeast Asian, Oceanic).

Do not use primaquine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

It is not known whether primaquine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take primaquine?


The usual dose of primaquine is 1 tablet daily for 14 days.

Take primaquine for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking this medicine to treat malaria, your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Talk to your doctor if you stop taking this medicine early for any reason.

No medicine is 100% effective in treating or preventing malaria. For best results, keep taking primaquine as directed.


In addition to taking primaquine, use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


What happens if I overdose?


Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, heartburn, stomach cramps, weakness, pale skin, and blue lips or fingernails.

What should I avoid while taking primaquine?


What are the possible side effects of primaquine?


Stop taking primaquine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • fever;
  • dark colored urine;
  • pale or yellowed skin; or
  • confusion or weakness.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:


Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting;
  • stomach cramps; or
  • upset stomach.


What other drugs will affect primaquine?


This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with primaquine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about primaquine.



Copyright 1996-2015 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01. Revision date: 5/19/2015.
