Primaquine

Primaquine pill What exactly is this primaquine? The parasitic illness malaria can be treated with the medicine primaquine, which also serves as a preventative measure. The effectiveness of primaquine can be attributed to its ability to inhibit the development of internal parasites. Malaria is caused by parasites that are primarily transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of contracting malaria is high in parts of the world such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia. Malaria of the vivax kind is characterized by the spread of parasites from the circulation into the cells and tissues of various parts of the host's body. This can lead to the development of a second infection, sometimes known as a relapse. Those who have been treated for the vivax strain of malaria can take primaquine to keep the disease from returning if they were previously infected with it. Moreover, this medication guide does not include all of the possible applications for primaquine. Information That Is Vital You should not use primaquine if you have an autoimmune illness such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or if you are also taking quinacrine. This is because the two medications can have dangerous interactions with one other (Atabrine). Before beginning to use this medication If you are allergic to primaquine or if you have an autoimmune illness like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis; or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant; or if you have recently used another malaria treatment called quinacrine or Atabrine, you should not use primaquine. If you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder (including slow heartbeats), long QT syndrome, an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood), a personal or family history of becoming ill after eating fava beans, or if you are of a certain ethnic background, you should talk to your doctor before taking primaquine. This will ensure that the medication is safe for you to take (Southern Europe, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, African, Southeast Asian, Oceanic). A developing fetus is susceptible to injury from primaquine. Whether you are a male or a woman, it is imperative that you make use of an efficient method of contraception in order to avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking primaquine. It is important for men to wear condoms. The use of primaquine during pregnancy by either parent has the potential to induce birth abnormalities. If you are a woman, you should continue using birth control even after you have stopped taking primaquine, and you should do so until you have had at least one period. If you are a guy, you should continue to use condoms for at least three months after you have finished taking your final dosage. Notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you become pregnant while either you or the potential father are taking primaquine. How exactly should I administer the primaquine? Always make sure to follow all of the instructions on the label of your medication. Do not use this medication in greater or lower doses than indicated, nor for a longer period of time than specified. One tablet of primaquine should be taken once per day for a total of 14 doses. Take primaquine for the whole amount of time that has been recommended by your healthcare provider. If you are using this medication to treat malaria, you may see a reduction in the severity of your symptoms before the infection has been entirely cured. Speak to your healthcare provider if you decide to cut your dosage of this medication short for any reason. There is no medication that can treat or prevent malaria with a success rate of 100%. Continue taking primaquine as prescribed to achieve the optimum outcomes. If you have been exposed to malaria or if you have fever or other signs of disease during or after a visit in a region where malaria is frequent, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as you possibly can. In addition to taking primaquine, you should wear protective clothes, apply insect repellents, and enclose your bed in a mosquito net to further reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, which might lead to malaria. Keep at room temperature and away from heat and moisture when storing. What can I expect if I forget to take a dose? When you realize you missed a dosage, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dosage, you should skip the dose that you missed. It is not necessary to take additional medication in order to make up for a missed dosage. What happens if I overdose? Symptoms of an overdose include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach cramps, weakness, pale complexion, and blue lips or fingernails. What should I try to stay away from while I'm on primaquine? A side effect of primaquine includes hazy vision, and the drug may also affect your thoughts or emotions. While you are driving or engaging in any activity that needs you to be aware and able to see well, exercise extreme caution. Primaquine side effects You should seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck. Stop taking primaquine immediately and get in touch with your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: fever; urine with a dark hue; skin that is pale or yellow; disorientation or weakness. The following are examples of common adverse effects that may occur as a result of taking this medication: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps; irregular heartbeats; rash; or dizziness. This list of potential adverse effects is not exhaustive; additional symptoms may also surface. Make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss any adverse effects. You can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report any adverse effects. What other medications could interact with primaquine? If you are taking antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, or medicines to treat cancer, malaria, or HIV or AIDS at the same time as primaquine, you may increase your risk of developing a serious heart condition. This is especially true if you are taking certain medicines at the same time. Talk to your primary care physician about any and all medications you use, including those that you begin or discontinue taking while receiving primaquine therapy. This list does not contain everything. There is a possibility that primaquine will interact negatively with other medications, such as prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and herbal items. This drug guide does not provide a description of all potentially harmful interactions.