primaquine phosphate

Primaquine diphosphate is the phosphate salt form of primaquine, a synthetic, 8-aminoquinoline derivative with antimalarial properties. Although its mechanism of action is unclear, primaquine bind to and alter the properties of protozoal DNA. This agent eliminates tissue (exo-erythrocytic) malarial infection, preventing the development of the erythrocytic forms of the parasite which are responsible for relapses in Plasmodium vivax and ovale malaria. Primaquine is active against late hepatic stages (hypnozoites, schizonts).

l-Primaquine is used to treat and prevent malaria and to treat Pneumocystis pneumonia.

Primaquine is the generally available anti-malarial that prevents relapse in vivax and ovale malaria, and the potent gametocytocide in falciparum malaria [1] [2].