Primaquine
Dosages
Primaquine 7.5 mg
| Quantity | Price per tablet | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | C$2.58 | C$77.51 | |
| 60 | C$2.31 | C$138.41 | |
| 120 | C$2.16 | C$258.83 | |
| 270 | C$1.86 | C$501.04 | |
| 360 | C$1.73 | C$621.46 |
Primaquine 15 mg
| Quantity | Price per tablet | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | C$3.05 | C$91.35 | |
| 60 | C$2.31 | C$138.41 | |
| 90 | C$2.06 | C$185.47 | |
| 120 | C$1.80 | C$215.92 | |
| 180 | C$1.68 | C$301.73 |
Payment & Shipping
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.
| Shipping Method | Estimated delivery |
|---|---|
| Express Free for orders over C$415.23 | Estimated delivery to Canada: 4-7 days |
| Standard Free for orders over C$276.82 | Estimated delivery to Canada: 14-21 days |
Discount Coupons
- Canada Day - July 1, 2026 10% CANADADAY10
- Boxing Day - December 26, 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. In most cases, it is spread by mosquitoes that pass the parasites into the bloodstream through their bites. Today, it is not considered incurable, but prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to help prevent complications. In Canada, primaquine may be prescribed through travel medicine or infectious disease care for people with malaria exposure linked to endemic regions. It is one of the medications used to treat malaria and is widely used in parts of the world where the disease is common, including Africa and Asia, Central and South America, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
Learn more about primaquine, including how it is used, dosing, risks, and side effects.
What is Primaquine?
Primaquine is a prescription medication used to treat malaria caused by mosquito-borne parasites. It is a first-line treatment in countries where malaria risk is high. Doctors prescribe it together with other medications such as chloroquine to improve treatment results.
It belongs to a group of medications called antimalarials (antiprotozoals). The World Health Organization (WHO) also includes it on its List of Essential Medicines.
Primaquine's Mechanism of Action
The exact way primaquine works is not fully understood. It is thought to affect protozoal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), produce reactive oxygen species, and interfere with the parasite's electron transport. Medical professionals note that the medication is active against Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale once these parasites reach the liver and blood cells.
After malaria parasites enter the body, they break down red blood cells, especially hemoglobin. This process splits hemoglobin into two parts: heme and globin. Heme is toxic to the parasites, so they produce substances that help them tolerate it. When a person takes primaquine, the medication affects the parasites' ability to survive, especially by interfering with their mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production. Once this process is disrupted, the parasites die because they cannot survive without energy. In short, the medication helps stop the infection and supports recovery.
Primaquine is not used on its own to treat malaria. Instead, it is used together with other first-line medications. Beyond that, its known mechanism is not suitable for preventing the disease.
What Is It Used for?
Today, the drug is approved by Health Canada to treat malaria.
In general, primaquine may be used for the following:
- to treat malaria and help prevent relapse or worsening once a person is infected;
- to treat 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 medications.
A doctor in Canada may occasionally recommend primaquine for other accepted uses when first-line medications cannot treat a particular condition. Discuss its use only 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 individualized. Take it by mouth once per day 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 intended for long-term use, so treatment should not go beyond 14 days. Do not stop taking primaquine without your doctor's approval, even if you feel better or do not notice improvement right away. Your doctor may adjust the dose when needed to lower the risk of side effects.
For Children
The recommended pediatric dose to treat malaria is 0.5 mg/kg once per day for 2 weeks. The dose should not exceed 30 mg.
The recommended pediatric dose to treat Pneumocystis pneumonia is 0.3 mg/kg once per day. The dose should not exceed 30 mg.
For Adults
The adult dose for treating malaria is 15 mg once per day for 2 weeks. It is recommended as a radical cure or to help prevent malaria relapse. It should be given together with chloroquine.
The adult dose for treating Pneumocystis pneumonia is 30 mg once per day for 21 days. It should be taken together with clindamycin or other recommended first-line medications.
Please note that some patients may need a different dosing regimen based on their current health conditions.
During Pregnancy
It is not known whether this drug can be used safely during pregnancy; therefore, it is contraindicated. Based on animal studies, the medication has been linked to gene mutations, teratogenicity, and harm to the fetus.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking this medication. Your doctor may advise you to avoid pregnancy because the fetus may be harmed or born with gene mutations.
You do not need to follow a special diet while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not increase or reduce the dose without speaking to your doctor, because it may become less effective or lead to severe side effects or worsening of your condition.
Symptoms of Overdose
Like any medication, primaquine can cause serious side effects, including overdose if it is not taken as directed by a doctor.
Symptoms of overdose include:
- abdominal cramps;
- cardiac arrhythmia and QT interval prolongation;
- vomiting and nausea;
- burning;
- epigastric distress;
- central nervous system and cardiovascular disturbances;
- cyanosis, methemoglobinemia, moderate leukocytosis or leukopenia, and anemia.
Note: this is not a full list of overdose symptoms, and they may vary from person to person.
If you think you have taken too much, get emergency help right away and call 911. If you simply feel unwell and your condition is not getting worse, sit or lie down. If your symptoms get worse or the pain becomes hard to tolerate, seek emergency care.
How Does It Interact With Other Drugs
This medication may interact with a number of other drugs and substances. This is especially important for people who are taking medications for other health conditions. It may also apply to herbal products or supplements, which can affect how the drug works. Pay attention to the following medications, which are generally not recommended for use together.
Aurothioglucose
Using primaquine with aurothioglucose is not recommended. This gold salt is usually given by intramuscular injection for therapeutic use in arthritis. It may be used in 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 medications.
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 medication is commonly prescribed for 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. Primaquine should be avoided with carbamazepine.
Primaquine Side Effects
Common side effects of primaquine can range from mild to severe if the drug is not taken as directed. Do not change the dose to try to improve the effect, or because you do not feel it is working, without speaking to your healthcare provider.
Gastrointestinal
The medication may cause gastrointestinal effects. It has also been associated with acute intravascular hemolysis, methemoglobinemia, and immunosuppression through inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation.
It may also cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and nausea. These symptoms are usually temporary and may be managed with appropriate medications, but only after getting your doctor's approval.
Hematologic
Its use may be linked to a sudden loss of red blood cells. This may lead to worsening health, including tiredness, changes in urine colour, changes in heartbeat, methemoglobinemia, and headache, among other symptoms.
Cardiac
You may experience a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, as well as other heart-related problems. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or heart problems.
Nervous System
There is limited data confirming the drug's effects 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 medication 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 go away as your body adjusts to the medication. However, long-term effects can also occur and should be discussed with a doctor right away.
Warnings
Before starting treatment, speak with your healthcare provider so you can get the right dose and instructions for your situation. Important warnings include the following.
Allergy
Allergic reactions to the medication 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 be sure to mention any allergies to medications or foods.
Alcohol Interaction
It is not recommended to take this drug with alcohol because it may increase dizziness or extreme drowsiness. If you have taken primaquine with alcohol, do not drive or operate heavy machinery, as this may lead to injury or death. Both substances can strongly affect alertness. Tell your doctor if you use marijuana as well, since it should be avoided with this medication for safety reasons.
For People With Certain Health Conditions
Some medical conditions may mean this drug is not suitable for you. In particular, this includes immune system diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It also includes blood disorders or abnormalities such as anemia, low white blood cell counts, hemolytic anemia, and methemoglobinemia.
The drug may also affect heart rhythm, so tell your doctor about your current heart health. You should also share your family medical history.
Pregnant Women
The drug should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may affect the fetus. It is strongly recommended to prevent pregnancy during and after treatment by using reliable birth control.
Because it is not known whether the drug passes into breast milk, breastfeeding mothers should not take it either.
You should also avoid grapefruit products, especially grapefruit juice, because they may affect how the drug works or increase side effects.
This is not a full list of all warnings and precautions. Discuss all relevant medical details with your healthcare provider for your safety. Please also refer to the Health Canada product information for the drug to learn more.
Pros and Cons of Primaquine
Like other medications, primaquine has benefits and drawbacks that are usually reviewed with a Canadian healthcare provider.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat malaria; |
It is not considered a very affordable medication; |
|
It can be prescribed for children under close supervision; |
It is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers; |
|
It does not require long-term use; |
It has many limitations when it comes to interactions with other medications; |
|
Allergic side effects are rare; |
It should be used only together with other first-line medications. A typical combination is Chloroquine drug vs. Primaquine. |
|
It is highly effective in preventing malaria relapse; |
|
|
It may be prescribed to treat Pneumocystis pneumonia; |
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 to help prevent your condition from getting worse. Do not diagnose or treat yourself with this drug based on online instructions, guidelines, or feedback from other patients who have had malaria or Pneumocystis pneumonia. Doing so may be dangerous and could lead to overdose or fatal outcomes.
