Side effect(s) of Primaquine

Last Updated on Feb 24, 2023

Review the side-effects of Primaquine as documented in medical literature. The term "side effects" refers to unintended effects that can occur as a result of taking the medication. In majority of the instances these side-effects are mild and easily tolerable, however sometimes they can be more severe and can be detrimental.

If the side effects are not tolerable adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication can help to manage or overcome side effects. If you have any doubts or questions, we recommend seeking advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

   Gastrointestinal:Pain in the stomach, heartburn, nausea and vomiting

   Eye: Blurred vision

   Cardiovascular system: Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat (prolonged QT interval may be noted on ECG)

   Blood: Reduced white blood counts. Hemolysis may occur especially in patients with G6PD enzyme deficiency. The patient may present with yellow discoloration of eyes, dark colored urine, pale lips or skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Methemoglobinemia may also occur with symptoms of grayish discoloration of the skin and lips, headache, fatigue and chestpain

   Allergic reaction: Rashes, itching

Other Precautions :

• Blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels should be monitored regularly as anemia, leucopenia, and methemoglobinemia could occur during the therapy.
• Since G6PD test assay is widely not available, due to the risk of hemolysis (rupturing of red blood cell), adequate medical support and follow-up should always be available.
• ECG monitoring is required particularly in patients with heart illness as primaquine can result in abnormal heart rhythm.

Drug Name : Primaquine

Primaquine generic Primaquine is prescribed to prevent relapses of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. It also helps to prevent the spread of falciparum malaria. It is not used alone but in combination with other antimalarial drug/drugs for these purposes. It may also be used to prevent malaria in travelers. Primaquine is also used in combination with clindamycin for treating pneumocystis pneumonia (a fungal infection in lungs commonly seen in AIDS patients and patients taking immunity-suppressing drugs).