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Primaquine

Primaquine Side Effects

Cydnee Ng, PharmDAllison Gourley, PharmD
Reviewed by Cydnee Ng, PharmD, Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 31, 2022

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain or cramps
  • Dizziness

Less Common Side Effects

  • Changes in heart rhythm
  • Changes to your blood cell counts (see Risks and Warnings)
  • Rash
  • Itching

Primaquine serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Low white blood cell count: getting sick more often, illness that doesn't go away
  • Low red blood cell count: dark urine, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, pale skin

Source: DailyMed

The following Primaquine side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Back, leg, or stomach pains

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms

chest pain

chills

cough

dark urine

difficulty breathing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness

fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

fever

general body swelling

headache

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

nosebleeds

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

rapid heart rate

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Heartburn

itching, skin rash

pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat

stomach cramps

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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