Primaquine
Vivax radical cure: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg daily for 14 days. Check G6PD first; avoid in pregnancy and infants.
On this page
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Vivax radical cure | 0.25–0.5 mg/kg daily (adult 15–30 mg) for 14 days |
| G6PD intermediate deficiency | 0.75 mg/kg once weekly for 8 weeks (specialist) |
| Falciparum (transmission block) | Single 0.25 mg/kg dose |
Cautions
- Haemolysis in G6PD deficiency: test first where possible.
- Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding infants under 6 months and children under 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
Why is primaquine needed in vivax malaria?
It kills dormant liver forms (hypnozoites) that cause relapses.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Primaquine is covered in our textbook chapter Antivirals and antifungals, with practice MCQs.