Primaquine is used to eliminate the liver stages (hypnozoites) of P. vivax and P. ovale which will prevent relapse of the infection.
Following eradication of parasites from the blood with chloroquine, a 14 day course of primaquine is given
A specialist should be consulted when primaquine is used in patients with G6PDH deficiency (since primaquine may cause haemolysis in these patients).
In patients with mild G6PDH deficiency 45 or 60 mg primaquine as a single weekly dose for 8 weeks may be used (1)
Primaquine should not be given to pregnant or lactating women (1).
The summary of product characteristics must be consulted before prescribing the drugs prescribed.
Reference:
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