primaquine

Primaquine is a synthetic antimalarial drug of the 8-aminoquinoline class, primarily used for the radical cure (prevention of relapse) of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale. It is also active against gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum and can be used in combination with other drugs to treat or prevent malaria relapses. Additionally, primaquine is sometimes used as an alternative treatment for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), especially in immunocompromised patients such as those with HIV[1][7][8]. The mechanism of action is not fully understood but may involve interference with mitochondrial electron transport in dormant parasite forms, generation of reactive oxygen species, or binding to protozoal DNA[3][6]. It does not have significant activity against asexual blood forms and must be combined with a blood schizonticide when treating acute malaria[3].

Brand names

JasoprimMaliridNeo-QuipenylPimaquinPmqPrimachinaPrimacinPrimaquinaPrimaquine diphosphatePrimaquine phosphateRemaquin

Other names

6-Methoxy-8-(4-amino-1-methylbutylamino)quinoline8-(4-Amino–1-methylbutylamino)-6-methoxyquinolinePrimachinPrimachinumPrimaquinum