Kanaprim 15 mg

INDICATIONS

Primaquine phosphate is indicated for the symptomatic relief of allergic conditions including:

Radical cure of vivax and ovale malaria
As a gametocytocidal drug in P. falciparum infections
Terminal prophylaxis after leaving a malarious area

PHARMACOLOGY

contains Primaquine Phosphate, an 8-aminoquinoline derivative which is given by mouth to produce radical cure and prevent relapse of vivax and ovale malarias following treatment with a blood schizontocide. It has also been used to prevent transmission of falciparum malaria by those returning to areas where there is a potential for re-introduction of malaria.

Presystemic metabolism: extensive
Plasma half-life: range 4-10 hours, mean 6 hours
tmax: about 1 - 2 hours
Plasma protein binding: high

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

The dose of primaquine deployed depends upon the indication for use and the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) status of the patient. Terminal prophylaxis with primaquine is indicated only for selected group of travellers e.g. those who have had prolonged exposure in malaria endemic areas. In the radical cure of vivax and ovale malaria, primaquine should be given after appropriate therapy with chloroquine. The conventional adult dose for prevention of relapse is 15 mg base daily for 14 days. Higher doses, 30 mg base daily for 14 days, can be given to deal with less sensitive strains of the parasites, provided the patients G6PD is normal; however, the higher dosage regimen should not be used routinely. A suggested dose for children is 200 to 300 mcg per kg body-weight daily for 14 days. In patients with G6PD deficiency haemolysis due to primaquine is less when the drug is administered at intervals rather than on a daily basis, so that the preferred regimen is 45 mg base once weekly for 8 weeks, or 30 mg base once weekly for 15 weeks, according to the type of G6PD deficiency. Strict medical supervision is essential.For use as a gametocytocide in P. falciparum, it is given as a sample dose of 30-40mg base for adults.use in children: In view of the relative toxicity of primaquine, it should not be given to children under one year of age. Older children can receive primaquine, under careful medical supervision.

INTERACTION

Primaquine inhibits hepatic drug oxidation and is reported to inhibit the metabolism of chloroquine.

SIDE EFFECTS

Adverse effects with therapeutic doses of primaquine are usually minimal but abdominal pain and gastric distress are more common if administered on an empty stomach. Larger doses may cause nausea and vomiting. Methaemoglobinaemia may occur occasionally. Haemolytic anaemia can occur in persons with a deficiency of G6PD. Other uncommon effects include mild anaemia and leucocytosis. Hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias have been reported on rare occasions.

PREGNANCY & LACTATION

This drug is contraindicated in pregnancy, because it may be passed transplacentally to a G6PD-deficient foetus and cause haemolytic anaemia in utero. It enters breast milk, and mothers taking the drug should not breast-feed.

PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

It should be used with caution in pateints with systemic disease with a tendency to granulocytopenia, known or suspected G6PD deficiency. Primaquine should be withdrawn if signs of haemolysis or methaemoglobinaemia occur and blood count should be monitored periodically.

THERAPEUTIC CLASS

Anti-malarial drugs

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store at 25° C. Protect from light.