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Primachin: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Primachin - General Information

An aminoquinoline that is given by mouth to produce a 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. Adverse effects include anemias and GI disturbances. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopeia, 30th ed, p404)

 

Pharmacology of Primachin

Primachin is an antimalarial agent and is the essential co-drug with chloroquine in treating all cases of malaria. In the blood, malaria parasites break down a part of the red blood cells known as haemoglobin. When this happens haemoglobin is divided into two parts; haem and globin. Haem is toxic to the malaria parasite. To prevent it from being damaged, the malaria parasite produces an chemical which converts the toxic haem into a non-toxic product. Primachin acts by interfering with a part of the parasite (mitochondria) that is responsible for supplying it with energy. Without energy the parasite dies. This stops the infection from continuing and allows the person to recover. Primachin kills the intrahepatic form of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale, and thereby prevents the development of the erythrocytic forms that are responsible for relapses (it also kills gametocytes). Primachin is not used in the prevention of malaria, only in the treatment. It has insignificant activity against the asexual blood forms of the parasite and therefore it is always used in conjunction with a blood schizonticide and never as a single agent. Primachin has gametocytocidal activity against all plasmodia, including P. falciparum.

 

Additional information about Primachin

Primachin Indication: For the treatment of malaria. Mechanism Of Action: Primachin's mechanism of action is not well understood. It may be acting by generating reactive oxygen species or by interfering with the electron transport in the parasite. Drug Interactions: Atomoxetine The CYP2D6 inhibitor could increases the effect and toxicity of atomoxetine Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Primaquine Synonyms: Not Available Drug Category: Antiprotozoal Agents; Antimalarial Agents Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Primaquine: Neo-Quipenyl; Primachin; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: 3.7-7.4 hours Dosage Forms of Primachin: Tablet Oral Chemical IUPAC Name: N-(6-methoxyquinolin-8-yl)pentane-1,4-diamine Chemical Formula: C15H21N3O Primaquine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primaquine Organisms Affected: Plasmodium