Primacin (Primaquine Phosphate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Primacin Used For?
Primacin is an antimalarial medication that contains primaquine phosphate. It is effective in treating certain forms of malaria.
Primary Uses
It is primarily used to treat the vivax and ovale forms of malaria after an attack and to assist in the treatment of falciparum malaria.
How It Works
Primacin works by killing the malaria parasite at various stages of its life cycle, both in the bloodstream and in the liver.
Good to know: Primacin is not addictive.
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How to Take Primacin
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking Primacin.
Dosage Instructions
For adults, the typical dosage is 15 mg daily for 14 days, or up to 30 mg daily in areas with resistant malaria. For children, the dosage is 0.3 mg/kg/day. Always follow your doctor's guidance for the correct dosage.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to the time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses.
Important: Never double dose if you miss a dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Rash
- Itching
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Dark-colored urine
- Irregular heartbeat or slow heart rate
- Feeling tired, weak, confused, or sick
- Pale or bluish skin
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Pain, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs
- Sore mouth and gums, mouth ulcers, or bleeding gums
Impulse Control Issues
No information about impulse control issues mentioned.
Important Warnings
Certain conditions and medications may prevent you from safely taking Primacin.
Who Should Not Take Primacin
Do not take Primacin if you have severe G6PD deficiency, are pregnant, have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, are taking quinacrine hydrochloride, or have allergies to primaquine or similar medications.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, heart disease, irregular heartbeats, low potassium or magnesium levels, or if you have recently been treated for malaria with quinacrine hydrochloride.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Primacin should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as its safety in these situations has not been established.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Primacin.
Drug Interactions
Primacin may interact with other medications, affecting how well it works.
Grapefruit interaction: No grapefruit interaction mentioned.
- Proguanil (used to treat malaria)
- Medications that affect bone marrow production of red blood cells
- Some medications for irregular heartbeat
- Ketoconazole (used for fungal infections)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol and driving while taking Primacin.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned.
Driving and Operating Machinery
No specific warnings about driving mentioned.
Temperature Regulation
No temperature regulation warnings mentioned.
Storage
Store Primacin in its original packaging in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Keep it out of reach of children and do not use past the expiry date.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 immediately. Symptoms may include abdominal cramps, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, dizziness, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Primacin to work can vary based on the individual and the type of malaria being treated.
Yes, it is recommended to take Primacin with food to avoid stomach upset.
No, Primacin is not considered addictive.
You should not stop taking Primacin without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to a relapse of malaria.
There are no specific warnings about alcohol consumption while taking Primacin, but it is advisable to consult your doctor.
There is no information regarding weight gain associated with Primacin.
Elderly patients should use Primacin with caution as they may be more sensitive to its effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.