Pimaquin 7.5mg Tablet

Pimaquin Tablet is an antimalarial medicine containing Primaquine as its active ingredient. It is used to treat and prevent malaria. Pimaquin works by killing the parasite that causes malaria, thus stopping the infection from being spread.

This medicine should be used under medical prescription and for the duration it is prescribed. Pimaquin Tablets should be taken after food. Tell your doctor, if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding and about all the medicines and supplements you take and all the conditions or diseases you suffer from, before starting treatment with Pimaquin Tablet.

Dosage

Overdose

• Symptoms of overdose are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, jaundice, burning discomfort below the ribs, blue, grey colour of the skin, blood disorders, abnormal heart rate, anemia.
• If you experience any of the symptoms or if you think you have taken too much of Pimaquin Tablets, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

• You should never miss your dose of Pimaquin Tablets, it may lead to treatment failure.
• If you missed any dose of medicine take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule.
• Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Malarial parasites enter the body and lives in the blood and body tissues.
• Pimaquin Tablet is used after other medicine is used to kill the malarial parasites living in the blood.
• Primaquine then kills the parasites that are present in the other body tissues, thus preventing relapse of this infection.

Directions for Use

Pimaquin Tablets should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not cut, break or chew the medicine. It should be taken after your meal to avoid stomach discomfort. It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results and should not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Pimaquin Tablet during pregnancy?

• Pimaquin Tablet should be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause harmful effects in an unborn baby.
• You should avoid pregnancy during treatment of this medicine.
• You should consult your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a child while taking this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Pimaquin Tablet while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if Primaquine passes into human milk, hence you should not breastfeed while taking Pimaquin Tablet.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Pimaquin Tablet?

Pimaquin Tablet may make you dizzy or may impair your concentration, you should avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Pimaquin Tablet?

There is limited information about the effects of Pimaquin Tablet on alcohol, but you should avoid taking alcohol in excessive amounts.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have anemia or a family history of anemia.
• You have a blood enzyme deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) or NADH methemoglobin reductase.
• You are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
• You have blood-related diseases.
• You have heart problems.
• It may cause a condition that affects your heart rhythm.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to primaquine or any other ingredients of Pimaquin Tablet.
• If you are taking the medicine quinacrine, which can be used in malaria & also as an antibiotic.
• If you have severe glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
• If you are taking medicines like dapsone, levodopa.
• If you have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
• If you are pregnant.

Side effects

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Skin rash
• Irregular heartbeats
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Blood disorder

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Pimaquin Tablets may interact with other medicines, discuss with your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbal preparations you are taking. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Be cautious if you are taking medicines known to cause fast heart rate and to treat irregular heartbeats like quinidine, sotalol, amitriptyline, imipramine, clozapine.

Storage and disposal

• Store Pimaquin Tablets below 30°C in a clean and dry place, protected from moisture, sunlight and heat.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I avoid malaria?

• You must wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers if you are outside after sunset to protect you from mosquito bites.
• You must use an insect repellent cream.
• You must use a mosquito net around the bed while sleeping to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Can Pimaquin Tablets be taken on an empty stomach?

No, your doctor will recommend you take Pimaquin Tablet after having food, so as to avoid any stomach discomfort.

Is it safe to take Pimaquin Tablets if I am pregnant?

You should avoid taking Pimaquin Tablets as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. It is essential to always consult your doctor before starting any medicine during pregnancy.