Primaquine
Dosages
Primaquine 7.5 mg
| Quantity | Price per tablet | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | A$2.43 | A$72.90 | |
| 60 | A$2.17 | A$130.18 | |
| 120 | A$2.03 | A$243.44 | |
| 270 | A$1.75 | A$471.25 | |
| 360 | A$1.62 | A$584.51 |
Primaquine 15 mg
| Quantity | Price per tablet | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | A$2.86 | A$85.92 | |
| 60 | A$2.17 | A$130.18 | |
| 90 | A$1.94 | A$174.44 | |
| 120 | A$1.69 | A$203.08 | |
| 180 | A$1.58 | A$283.79 |
Payment & Delivery
Your order is carefully packed and ships within 24 hours. Here is what a typical package looks like.
Sized like a regular personal letter (approximately 24x11x0.7 cm), with no indication of what is inside.
| Delivery Method | Estimated delivery |
|---|---|
| Express Free for orders over A$390.54 | Estimated delivery to Australia: 4-7 days |
| Standard Free for orders over A$260.36 | Estimated delivery to Australia: 14-21 days |
Discount Coupons
- Australia Day - 26 January 2026 10% AUSDAY10
- ANZAC Day - 25 April 2026 8% ANZAC8
- Boxing Day - 26 December 2026 12% BOXING12
Brand Names
| Country | Brand Names |
|---|---|
 Australia | Primacin |
 Bangladesh | Jasoprim Kanaprim Remaquin |
 Colombia | Neo-Quipenyl Primaquina |
 India | Malirid |
 Nepal | Jasoprim 15 |
| Manufacturer | Brand Names |
|---|---|
| Hab Pharma | PMQ |
| Inga | PMQ |
Description
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal illness caused by parasites. It is most often spread by mosquitoes, which pass the parasites into a person's bloodstream through bites. While malaria is treatable, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to help prevent complications. In Australia, primaquine may be prescribed as part of malaria treatment, particularly for travel-related cases diagnosed after returning from endemic regions. It is also widely used in parts of the world where malaria is common, including Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Learn more about primaquine, including its dosage, risks and side effects.
What is Primaquine?
In Australia, primaquine is a prescription medicine used to treat malaria caused by parasites spread through mosquito bites. It is a first-line treatment in countries where malaria risk is high. Doctors prescribe it alongside other medicines, such as chloroquine, to improve treatment results.
Primaquine belongs to a class of medicines known as antimalarials (antiprotozoals). The World Health Organization (WHO) also lists it as an essential medicine.
Primaquine's Mechanism of Action
Primaquine's exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. However, it is thought to work by affecting protozoal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), generating reactive oxygen species, and interfering with the parasite's electron transport. Medical professionals note that the medicine is active against Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale once these parasites reach the liver and blood cells.
Once malaria parasites enter the human body, they break down red blood cells, especially haemoglobin. This process splits haemoglobin into two parts: haem and globin. Parasites cannot tolerate haem because it is toxic to them, so they produce chemicals that help them handle it. Primaquine affects the parasites' ability to survive, particularly by interfering with their mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production. When this process is disrupted, the parasites die because they cannot survive without energy. In short, the medicine helps stop the infection and supports recovery.
Primaquine is not used on its own to treat malaria. Instead, it is used with other first-line medicines. Beyond that, its known mechanism is not suitable for preventing the disease.
What Is It Used for?
In Australia, primaquine is used to help prevent relapses of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale malaria and as adjunctive therapy in certain cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
In general, primaquine may be used for:
- treating malaria and helping prevent it from worsening or coming back after infection;
- treating Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, a lung infection caused by a fungus that is common in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and in those taking immunosuppressive medicines.
An Australian doctor may occasionally advise other common uses of primaquine when first-line medicines are unable to treat a particular condition. Only use it as discussed with your healthcare provider.
Primaquine Dosage and Duration
| Weight (kg) | Number of Primaquine tablets | Primaquine dose (mg) | Primaquine dose (mg/kg) |
| 10-17 | 0.5 | 7.5 | 0.44-0.75 |
| 18-25 | 1 | 15 | 0.6-0.83 |
| 26-35 | 1.5 | 22.5 | 0.64-0.87 |
| 36-45 | 2 | 30 | 0.67-0.83 |
| 46-55 | 2.5 | 37.5 | 0.69-0.82 |
| 56-75 | 3 | 45 | 0.64-0.82 |
| ≥76 | 4 | 60 | ≤0.78 |
Primaquine dosing is tailored to the individual. Take it by mouth once daily with food to help prevent an upset stomach, or exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
Primaquine is usually prescribed for 2 weeks after a person leaves an area with a high risk of malaria transmission. It is not suitable for long-term use, so treatment should not continue for more than 14 days. Do not stop taking primaquine without your doctor's approval, even if you feel better or have not noticed improvement. Your doctor may adjust the dose if needed to help reduce the risk of side effects.
For Children
The recommended paediatric dose for treating malaria is 0.5 mg/kg once daily for 2 weeks. The dosage should not exceed 30 mg.
The recommended paediatric dose for treating Pneumocystis pneumonia is 0.3 mg/kg once daily. The dosage should not exceed 30 mg.
For Adults
The adult dose for treating malaria is 15 mg once daily for 2 weeks. This dose is recommended as a radical cure or to help prevent malaria relapse. It should be given alongside chloroquine.
The adult dose for treating Pneumocystis pneumonia is 30 mg once daily for 21 days. It should be taken alongside clindamycin or other recommended first-line medicines.
Please note that some patients may need a different dosing regimen depending on their current health conditions.
During Pregnancy
It is not known whether this medicine can be used safely during pregnancy, so it is contraindicated. Based on animal studies, it has been linked to gene mutations, teratogenicity and harm to the fetus.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to avoid pregnancy because the fetus may be harmed or born with gene mutations.
There is no need to follow a special diet while taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not increase or reduce the dose without speaking to your doctor, as this may make it less effective or lead to severe side effects or worsening of your condition.
Symptoms of Overdose
Like any medicine, primaquine may cause severe side effects, including overdose if it is not taken as directed by a doctor.
Overdose symptoms include:
- abdominal cramps;
- cardiac arrhythmia and QT interval prolongation;
- vomiting and nausea;
- epigastric distress;
- central nervous system and cardiovascular disturbances;
- cyanosis, methaemoglobinaemia, moderate leukocytosis or leukopenia, and anaemia.
Note: this is not a full list of overdose symptoms, as they can vary from person to person.
If you think you may have taken too much, get emergency help straight away and call 000. If you feel unwell but your condition is not getting worse, sit or lie down. If symptoms become worse and you cannot cope with the pain, seek emergency help.
How Does It Interact With Other Drugs
This medicine may interact with a number of other medicines and substances. This includes medicines prescribed for other health conditions, as well as herbal products and supplements, which may affect how well primaquine works. Pay attention to the following medicines, which are generally not recommended for use together.
Aurothioglucose
Using primaquine with aurothioglucose is not recommended. This gold salt is typically prescribed by intramuscular injection for therapeutic use in arthritis. It may be used for rheumatoid arthritis when first-line treatments are not effective enough or cause severe side effects.
If you are currently taking aurothioglucose, your doctor may change your treatment plan by stopping the gold salt or adjusting the doses of both medicines.
Levomethadyl
Levomethadyl is an opioid analgesic used to manage opioid dependence. It is a controlled substance that requires close supervision and caution. Do not take it with primaquine, as side effects may occur.
Carbamazepine
This anticonvulsant medicine is commonly prescribed to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain. It may also be used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder when first-line therapies are not effective or cause severe side effects. Using primaquine with carbamazepine should be avoided.
Primaquine Side Effects
Primaquine side effects can range from mild to severe, especially if the medicine is not taken as directed. Do not change the dose to try to increase its effect, or because you feel it is not working, without speaking to your healthcare provider.
Gastrointestinal
The medicine may cause gastrointestinal effects, including acute intravascular haemolysis, methaemoglobinaemia, as well as immunosuppression through inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation. It has also been linked to an upset stomach, vomiting and nausea. These symptoms are usually temporary and may be managed with suitable medicines, but only after a doctor's approval.
Hematologic
Its use may be linked to a sudden loss of red blood cells. This can lead to worsening health, with symptoms such as tiredness, changes in urine colour, changes in heartbeat, methaemoglobinaemia and headache, among others.
Cardiac
You may experience a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat and other heart-related problems. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or other heart problems.
Nervous System
There is limited information confirming the effect of this medicine on the nervous system, although some people may experience tiredness or irritability. If you notice any changes affecting your nervous system or mental health, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Skin and Soft Tissue
The medicine may rarely cause a severe allergic reaction. Skin-related side effects may include rash, itching, swelling and trouble breathing, among others.
Note: some side effects are temporary and may ease as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, longer-lasting effects can occur and should be discussed with a doctor straight away.
Warnings
Before starting treatment, speak to your healthcare provider in Australia so you can receive the right dose and instructions for your situation. Some important warnings are listed below.
Allergy
Allergic reactions to this medicine and its ingredients are possible but rare. Symptoms may include itching, rash, trouble breathing and dizziness, among others. Give your doctor your full medical history, and make sure you mention any allergies to medicines or foods.
Alcohol Interaction
It is not recommended to take this medicine with alcohol because it may cause dizziness or marked drowsiness. If you have taken primaquine and alcohol, do not drive or operate heavy machinery, as this may lead to injury or death. Both substances can greatly affect alertness. Tell your doctor if you use marijuana as well, because it should be avoided while taking this medicine.
For People With Certain Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions may mean this medicine is not suitable for you. This includes immune system diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It also includes blood disorders or abnormalities such as anaemia, low white blood cell counts, haemolytic anaemia and methaemoglobinaemia.
This medicine may also affect heart rhythm, so tell your doctor about your current heart health. You should also share any relevant family medical history.
Pregnant Women
This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may affect the fetus. It is highly recommended to avoid pregnancy during and after treatment by using reliable contraception.
Because it is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk, breastfeeding mothers should not take it either.
Avoid grapefruit products, especially grapefruit juice, as they may affect how well this medicine works or increase side effects.
This is not a full list of warnings and precautions. Discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Pros and Cons of Primaquine
Like other medicines, primaquine has both benefits and drawbacks, which your doctor will usually discuss with you.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
In Australia, it is used to help prevent relapse of certain types of malaria, especially Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale infection; |
It is not suitable for everyone and must be used with caution in people with G6PD deficiency; |
|
It may be prescribed for children under close medical supervision; |
It is generally not recommended during pregnancy, and breastfeeding requires particular caution; |
|
It is usually given as a short course rather than as long-term treatment; |
It can interact with some other medicines, so your full medicine list should be reviewed before treatment; |
|
It is highly effective in helping prevent malaria relapse when used appropriately; |
It is not used on its own for the main treatment of an acute malaria attack and is usually given with other antimalarial medicines; |
|
It can play an important role in malaria management by targeting liver stages of the parasite; |
Testing for G6PD deficiency is needed before treatment because primaquine can cause haemolysis in susceptible patients. |
If you would like more information about the dosing regimen, especially for your own situation, speak with your doctor. If you notice side effects or changes in your usual health, speak with your doctor promptly. Do not diagnose or treat yourself with this medicine based on online instructions, guidelines or other patients' experiences with malaria or Pneumocystis pneumonia. Doing so may be dangerous and could lead to overdose or even fatal outcomes.
