Primaquine
General Information
Antimalarial
Unlicensed Restricted formulary antimicrobial: For details see OUH netFormulary
For all information regarding contra-indications, interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF and Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).
G6PD levels should be measured, and established to be normal, prior to the commencement of primaquine.
Dosing
|
Indication |
Oral dose |
|
Non-falciparum malaria caused by Plasmodium ovale infection |
15mg od |
|
Non-falciparum malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax infection |
30mg od |
|
Non-falciparum malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale infection, in patients with mild G6PD deficiency |
45mg once weekly |
|
Treatment of pneumocystis jirovecci pneumonia (PJP) in combination with clindamycin, as a second-line option where allergic/intolerant to co-trimoxazole |
30mg od |
Renal and hepatic impairment
Renal impairment
- No dose adjustment required.
- HD: Not dialysed. Dose as in normal renal function.
- HDF/High Flux/PD: Unknown dialysability. Dose as in normal renal function.
This information is from the Renal Drug Database.
Hepatic impairment
No information available for use in hepatic impairment.
References
- Sanofi-Aventis US. Primaquine phosphate tablets USP [Internet]. Summary of product characteristics. Last revision of the text February 2026 Accessed via: https://products.sanofi.us/primaquine/primaquine.pdf Accessed 28/4/26
- British National Formulary. Primaquine. BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com Accessed 7/8/26.
- The Renal Drug Database. Primaquine Phosphate. Last updated 23/9/24 Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 7/8/26.
- Sanford guide [online]. Primaquine Phosphate. Last updated 1/7/26. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 7/8/26