Primaquine Tablets
| Product/Composition:- | Primaquine Tablets |
|---|---|
| Strength:- | 15mg, 7.5mg |
| Form:- | Tablets |
| Production Capacity | 10 Million Tablet/Month |
| Packaging:- | 10 X 10 Tablets / Box |
| Therapeutic use:- | Anti Malarial |
| Package Insert/Leaflet: | Available upon request |
Primaquine is a powerful antimalarial agent classified under the 8-aminoquinoline category of drugs. The main target is the dormant liver-stage parasites P. vivax and P. ovale. They cause malaria relapses. These dormant entities, called hypnozoites, stay in the liver after the first infection. They may reactivate after weeks, months, or even years. This can cause recurrent malaria episodes.
Unlike other antimalarials that target blood-stage parasites, Primaquine kills latent liver-stage forms. This unique ability makes Primaquine vital for malaria treatment. This is especially true in areas where P. vivax and P. ovale are common. The medication targets hypnozoites. It guarantees a “radical cure.” This means it will eradicate both the active parasites in the blood and the dormant forms in the liver. It reduces relapses, lowers disease transmission, and helps eradicate malaria.
About Primaquine Tablet
Primaquine is key to malaria eradication efforts. It kills hypnozoites, the dormant liver forms of the parasite. Without treatment, these dormant forms may resurface. This can cause recurrent malaria despite other drugs having killed the blood-stage parasites.
Principal Highlights:
Effective against liver-stage and gametocyte types of malaria parasites. Generally not employed for the initial treatment of active malaria (blood-stage). Crucial in malaria-endemic areas where Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale are predominant.
Uses of Primaquine Tablet
1. Comprehensive Treatment for Malaria:– Addresses relapsing malaria induced by P. vivax and P. ovale. Guarantees the total elimination of hypnozoites from the liver.
2. Prophylaxis for Malaria:– Occasionally administered to travellers in malaria-endemic regions to avert relapses.
3. Transmission Blocking:– It effectively targets gametocytes, diminishing malaria transmission to mosquitoes.
4. Off-Label Uses:– Management of specific parasite infections, as directed by physicians.
Directions for Use
Prescription-Only Medication: Always administer Primaquine under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Administration: Ingest the tablet with water. Consume it with food to reduce stomach pain.
Dosage: Adhere closely to the indicated dosage and duration. The standard regimen for the prevention of recurrence in P. vivax or P. ovale is 14 days.
Fulfill the Course: Guarantee the completion of the entire course to avert drug resistance and recurrences.
How Primaquine Works
Primaquine uniquely targets and kills certain phases of the malaria parasite. It provides a “radical cure” for relapsing malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax and ovale. After infection, these parasites develop liver hypnozoites. Malaria can return weeks, months, or years later due to these hypnozoites. Primaquine kills dormant liver parasites. Other antimalarials only treat acute malaria symptoms. Relapsing malaria is prevented by this action, addressing its cause.
Primaquine works beyond the liver. It also attacks malaria parasite gametocytes in the circulation. Primaquine stops mosquitoes from feeding on the parasite by destroying these gametocytes. Primaquine is key for malaria control and eradication. It kills liver hypnozoites and blood gametocytes.
Primaquine generates ROS and disrupts parasite mitochondrial activities at the cellular level. These reactive chemicals kill parasites by damaging their cells. Primaquine can target several phases of the parasite’s lifecycle. This prevents relapses and the spread of disease, even if the molecular routes are unknown. Primaquine can cause hemolysis in people with G6PD impairment. Its oxidative effects are to blame. So, thorough screening is needed before use.
Dosage Forms Available
Primaquine is typically available in the following forms:
- Tablets: In the case of tablets, the most common strengths are 7.5 mg and 15 mg.
- Combinations are sometimes prescribed with blood schizonticides like chloroquine to provide complete treatment.
Side Effects of Primaquine Tablets
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List
Antimalarials: Enhanced toxicity with chloroquine, quinine, or artemisinins.
Hemolytic Agents: Co-administration with dapsone or sulfonamides may exacerbate hemolysis.
Enzyme Inducers: Medications such as rifampin may diminish efficacy. The use of anticoagulants such as warfarin elevates the risk of hemorrhage.
Safety Advice
Avoid alcohol during treatment, as it may exacerbate adverse effects such as dizziness or nausea. Utilize only when the advantages surpass the risks. Consult your physician, as safety during pregnancy is not entirely confirmed.
Exercise caution since the medication may be excreted in breast milk. Refrain from use if the infant has G6PD deficiency. Refrain from engaging in tasks requiring attentiveness if you encounter dizziness or fatigue.
The liver metabolizes Primaquine. Administer with caution in individuals with hepatic problems, as it may intensify adverse effects. Patients with renal problems require vigilant monitoring. Adjustments to the dosage may be necessary.
A pediatrician must assess the safe usage of minors. Dosage modifications are contingent upon body weight and age.
Overdose and Missed Dose
Overdose
An overdose of Primaquine can have serious effects. These include acute hemolysis, methemoglobinemia, dyspnea, and cyanosis. In a suspected overdose, seek medical help right away to avoid death.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dosage, administer the medication promptly upon recollection. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go back to your normal dosing plan. Do not give extra pills to make up for ones that were missed. This could make side effects more likely.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
A healthy diet and lifestyle are vital to boost Primaquine’s effect and aid recovery. Eat a nutrient-dense diet to boost your immune system. Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial, as it aids in the elimination of pollutants and supports overall health.
Avoid alcohol during therapy. It may worsen side effects, like liver strain or upset stomach. Also, avoid fatty or greasy foods. They may upset your stomach while using Primaquine.
To prevent mosquito bites and reinfection, use bed nets, apply repellent, and wear long sleeves in malaria areas. You must follow up regularly with your healthcare professional.
This will assess your progress and manage any side effects. These practices will boost the benefits of Primaquine. They will also promote your health during treatment.
Storage
Maintain at ambient temperature (15–25°C) in a dry, cold environment, shielded from direct sunlight. Store in a safe area, inaccessible to minors and pets. Verify that the packing is undamaged before utilization.