AntimalarialPrescription only
Primaquine
Tablet
Quick Summary
Primaquine is also used in falciparum malaria to stop spread.
Preventing vivax relapse
Falciparum malaria
Medical Uses
Preventing vivax relapse: After chloroquine.
Falciparum malaria: Single dose to reduce spread.
How it's taken
Take with food for the full course prescribed.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Tummy pain
Take with food.
Dark urine
Can mean red cell breakdown.
Tiredness
Sometimes.
Interactions
Other medicines that affect blood
Increase risk.
Critical Warnings
G6PD deficiency
Black Box Warning: Can cause dangerous breakdown of red blood cells. Testing is advised before longer courses.
Pregnancy
Not used in pregnancy.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Primaquine: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine