Although malaria is now a largely controlled disease in our country, we still hear about this disease from time to time. Especially for those who have traveled to countries where malaria is common, this risk may be at risk. So, to treat or prevent malaria, your doctor may have prescribed you this medicine called Primaquine. Since this medicine is very important, let's talk about it clearly today.
What kind of medicine is Primaquine?
Simply put, Primaquine is a drug used to treat and prevent malaria infections. Malaria is caused by a parasite that lives in our blood. Primaquine works by killing the parasites and curing the disease. In some types of malaria, this drug is also necessary to kill the parasites that are hiding in the liver.
Things to tell your doctor before taking Primaquine
This is very important. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely tell your doctor before starting Primaquine.
| Check if you have these conditions |
|---|
| Anemia or other blood-related conditions. |
| Diabetes. |
| Very important: G6PD deficiency (Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase - G6PD deficiency). This is a genetic condition. |
| A history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat. |
| Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood. |
| Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Thyroid disease. |
| Malnutrition. |
| If you drink alcohol. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to other medicines, foods, or preservatives such as Primaquine or Chloroquine. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. |
| If you are breastfeeding a child. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
How to take the medicine
This medicine should be taken by mouth with a glass of water. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Never take more than the amount your doctor tells you to take, or take it more often.
If you give it to children
If your child has been prescribed this medication, talk to your pediatrician about it. In some special cases, it is prescribed for children, but special precautions must be followed.
Overdose
Imagine you have taken more than the prescribed dose. If that happens , don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else, even if that person has the same symptoms as you.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with Primaquine
Primaquine is a medication that can interact with some other medications, so it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Never take Primaquine with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Dronedarone |
| Pimozide | Quinacrine |
| Thioridazine | |
| These things can also cause problems - tell your doctor | |
| Grapefruit juice | |
| Other medications that cause abnormal heart rhythms (e.g. dofetilide, ziprasidone) | |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve after taking the medicine for a few days, tell your doctor.
- Vision changes: If you take this medication for a long time and notice any changes in your vision, be sure to see an ophthalmologist and have your eyes checked.
- Drowsiness/Dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Avoid getting up from a sitting position, especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
- Urine color: If your urine is dark brown or red , it could be a sign of something more serious. If this happens, let your doctor know as soon as possible.
- Protection from mosquitoes: If you are in an area where malaria is common, it is also very important to protect yourself from mosquitoes while taking your medication.
- Stay in well-screened rooms with nets to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- Sleep under mosquito nets.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing that covers your body well.
- Apply mosquito repellents to exposed areas of the body.
Possible side effects of Primaquine
Like any medicine, Primaquine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect/symptom |
|---|
| If you have any of these, tell your doctor immediately. |
| Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Dark-colored urine. |
| Symptoms that indicate a dangerous change in heart rate - chest pain, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing. |
| Fever or infectious conditions. |
| Unusual bruising or bleeding. |
| Pale or discolored skin. |
| Feeling unusually tired or weak. |
| Numbness in the limbs. |
| Seizures. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. |
| Nausea, vomiting. |
| Stomach pain, limping. |
Take-Home Message
- Primaquine is an important medicine for malaria. Always take it exactly as your doctor tells you, in the right dose, at the right time.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking, especially conditions like G6PD deficiency.
- If you experience any serious side effects while taking the medication, such as dark urine, severe dizziness, or changes in your heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at once. If you drink too much, go to the hospital's ETU immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
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