Tafenoquine
Mechanism :
Tafenoquine is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial drug active against pre-erythrocytic (liver) forms (including hypnozoite [dormant stage]) and erythrocytic (asexual) forms, as well as gametocytes, of Plasmodium species, including P. falciparum and P. vivax.
Indication :
- Malaria, chemoprophylaxis
- Prevention of relapse of Plasmodium vivax
Contraindications :
Hypersensitivity to tafenoquine, other 8-aminoquinolines, or any component of the formulation; G6PD deficiency or unknown G6PD status; patients with a history of psychotic disorders or current psychotic symptoms.
Dosing :
>16 years of age:
Chemoprophylaxis:
200 mg once daily for 3 days prior to travel to a malarious area and then 200 mg once weekly while in the endemic area. Continue for 1 week after return.
Prevention of relapse of P. vivax:
Oral: 300 mg as a single dose on the first or second day of the appropriate antimalarial therapy.
Adverse Effect :
Hypersensitivity to tafenoquine, other 8-aminoquinolines, or any component of the formulation; G6PD deficiency or unknown G6PD status; patients with a history of psychotic disorders or current psychotic symptoms.
Headache, diarrhea, methemoglobinemia, back pain, epithelial keratopathy, sleep disorder, depressed mood, insomnia, nausea, motion sickness.
Hepatic Dose :
No dose adjustment recommended.