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๐ Description:
- Primaquine is an antimalarial medication belonging to the 8-aminoquinoline class.
- Each tablet typically contains 15 mg of primaquine phosphate, equivalent to about 13.2 mg of primaquine base.
- It is primarily effective against exoerythrocytic (liver) stages of Plasmodium parasites.
- It appears as a film-coated, light-colored tablet, and may have a slight medicinal odor.
- It is prescribed after initial treatment to prevent relapse of malaria caused by P. vivax and P. ovale.
๐งช Nature:
- Synthetic antimalarial agent, derived from 8-aminoquinoline structure.
- Acts as a tissue schizonticide targeting hypnozoites in liver cells.
- Also exhibits gametocytocidal activity against P. falciparum.
- Water-soluble and undergoes hepatic metabolism.
- Possesses oxidative properties, hence caution is needed in G6PD-deficient individuals.
๐ก Advantages:
- Eradicates dormant liver stages (hypnozoites) of P. vivax/P. ovale, reducing relapses.
- Only drug effective for radical cure of relapsing malaria.
- Helps in interrupting transmission by killing P. falciparum gametocytes.
- Short course therapy when used in combination with chloroquine or ACTs.
- Has a role in malaria elimination programs globally.
๐ Uses:
- Treatment of relapsing malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale.
- Used to eliminate gametocytes of P. falciparum to prevent further spread.
- May be used as part of chemoprophylaxis in specific cases.
- Often administered after initial treatment with chloroquine or ACT to ensure radical cure.
- Occasionally studied for use in leishmaniasis (off-label use).
๐ฅ Storage:
- Store in a cool, dry place, ideally between 15โ25ยฐC (59โ77ยฐF).
- Keep away from light and moisture to preserve stability.
- Store in the original container tightly closed.
- Keep out of reach of children, as overdose can be harmful.
- Do not use beyond expiration date; discard unused tablets properly.
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