Tafenoquine is a substance indicated for the treatment of malaria that may replace primaquine, which is currently one of the antimalarials used in all countries.
It is believed that it is enough to take 1 tablet of tafenoquine 300 mg, combined with 3 days of chloroquine to cure malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, which greatly reduces the total time of treatment, making it easier to be fulfilled.
Although studies have confirmed that the substance remains in the body for several days, and is more efficient than primaquine, tafenoquine has not yet been approved by Anvisa because it needs more studies that prove its efficacy and safety.
What is it for
Tafenoquine is used for the cure and prevention of malaria relapse caused by the parasite Plasmodium vivax in persons over 16 years of age who are undergoing appropriate antimalarial therapy for acute Plasmodium vivax infection .
How is malaria treated?
Chloroquine and Primaquine are used in different doses and combinations for the treatment of malaria, depending on the weight and age of the affected person.
Medications should be taken daily for 3 to 14 days, according to medical advice, but usually cause side effects that are hard to bear such as severe headache, general malaise and lack of appetite, which leads many to abandon treatment. can cause a relapse of the disease.
With the introduction of tafenoquine it is believed that the cure of malaria can be achieved more quickly and with fewer side effects.
Who should not use
Tafenoquine should not be used in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in women who are breast-feeding when the child is considered deficient in G6PD or when levels are unknown and in persons with known hypersensitivity to tafenoquine, other 8- aminoquinolines or any component of the medicament.
In addition, this medicine should also be used with caution in people with hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia or with psychiatric problems.
Possible side effects
The most common adverse reactions that can occur with the use of this medicine are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache and decreased hemoglobin.
