Primaquine Side Effects

Some side effects of primaquine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to primaquine: oral tablet

Stop taking primaquine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (flushing; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face, difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; vision problems; a rash; or itching).

Notify your doctor if you experience darkening of your urine.

Nausea, stomach pain or upset, vomiting, and loss of appetite may also occur during therapy.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to primaquine: compounding powder, oral tablet

Hematologic

The severity of hemolytic anemia in patients with G-6-PD deficiency treated with primaquine is dependent upon the dose given and the patient's ethnic background. In American and African Blacks, hemolytic anemia is generally mild and self-limiting, and lower prophylactic doses of primaquine may be tolerated. In patients of Mediterranean and some Oriental origins, the hemolytic anemia may be severe. Most patients with hemolytic anemia present with dark urine, jaundice, vomiting, and headache.

Hematologic side effects have included hemolytic anemia (if administered to patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency [G-6-PD]) and methemoglobinemia in patients with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) methemoglobin reductase deficiency. Leukopenia, mild anemia, and leukocytosis have occasionally been reported.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and epigastric distress.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity skin rashes have been reported in approximately 50% of AIDS patients being treated with primaquine and clindamycin for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.