Chloroquine + Primaquine

Chloroquine + Primaquine is a combination medicine widely used for the treatment and prevention of malaria. Malaria is a serious infection caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites and can lead to fever, chills, headache, sweating, and body aches. This combination works by targeting the malaria parasites at different stages of their life cycle, ensuring complete and effective treatment.

Chloroquine helps kill the parasites present in the blood, providing quick relief from symptoms, while Primaquine works on dormant parasites in the liver to prevent relapse of the infection. Together, they help achieve full parasite clearance and reduce the chances of malaria coming back. This dual-action approach makes the treatment more effective and reliable.

Chloroquine + Primaquine should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor, as dosage depends on the type of malaria and patient condition. Completing the full course is essential for successful treatment. When used correctly under medical supervision, this medicine is safe, effective, and plays an important role in malaria control and recovery.

Uses of Chloroquine + Primaquine

• Treatment of malaria caused by *Plasmodium vivax* and *Plasmodium ovale*
• Radical cure to prevent relapse of malaria
• Prophylaxis in malaria-endemic regions (as advised by doctor)

How Chloroquine + Primaquine works

Chloroquine kills malaria parasites in the bloodstream, while Primaquine eliminates dormant liver forms, preventing future relapses of malaria.

Benefits of Chloroquine + Primaquine

• Effective against both blood and liver stages of malaria
• Prevents recurrence of malaria
• Supports complete eradication of *P. vivax* and *P. ovale* infections
• Reduces disease transmission in endemic areas

How to take Chloroquine + Primaquine

Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Chloroquine is usually taken for 3 days, followed by Primaquine for 14 days. Do not stop the treatment early even if symptoms improve.

Type of Dosage Available

• Oral tablets

Side effects of Chloroquine + Primaquine

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals (with Primaquine)

Safety advice

• Take with food to reduce stomach upset
• Do not take Primaquine without G6PD deficiency testing
• Avoid alcohol while on treatment
• Not recommended during pregnancy unless prescribed
• Inform your doctor of any blood disorders or liver conditions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Chloroquine + Primaquine used for?
A. It is used to treat and prevent relapse of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale.

Q. Why is Primaquine added to Chloroquine?
A. Primaquine targets dormant liver forms of malaria parasites to prevent relapse, which Chloroquine alone cannot eliminate.

Q. Can I stop taking the medicine once I feel better?
A. No, complete the full course to ensure complete eradication of the parasite.

Q. Is Chloroquine + Primaquine safe during pregnancy?
A. It should only be used during pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor after evaluating the risks.

Q. What precautions should I take before using this medicine?
A. Ensure G6PD deficiency testing is done before starting Primaquine to avoid serious side effects.