What is Primaquine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Primaquine overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Primaquine Phosphate

Uses:

  • Treats malaria and prevents it from coming back after treatment (relapse).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antimalarial

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Primaquine used for?

What form(s) does Primaquine come in

  • Tablet

What are common Primaquine doses?

  • Tablet 26.3MG

Common Primaquine prescriptions

  • Primaquine Phosphate
    26.3 (15 base)mg tablet

How to take Primaquine

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Primaquine

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.

  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.

Primaquine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to primaquine, or if you have severe rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or severe G6PD deficiency, or if you are pregnant.

Primaquine warnings

  • This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Women should use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during and after treatment with this medicine. Male patients who have female partners should use effective birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, G6PD deficiency, or a history of heart rhythm problems or blood disorders (including anemia, favism, or NADH reductase deficiency).

  • This medicine may cause changes in heart rhythm, including QT prolongation.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Primaquine interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with quinacrine or medicines that can cause bleeding or bone marrow problems.

  • Some medicines can affect how primaquine works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine for heart rhythm problems, including disopyramide, procainamide, or quinidine.

  • This medicine may cause harmful side effects such as certain kinds of anemia and other blood problems. Your doctor may need to test your blood regularly while you are taking this medicine. Try to keep all of the appointments your doctor makes for you.

Primaquine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark urine

  • Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness

  • Trouble breathing, tiredness, uneven heartbeat, yellow skin or eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea, upset stomach, cramps, vomiting

  • Headache

  • Headache