The Sound of Evolution
Primaquine
Mechanism of action:
Primaquine is an 8-aminoquinoline derivative. After entering the parasite, primaquine is converted into reactive oxidative metabolites that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). These reactive oxygen species damage mitochondrial function, disrupt the electron transport chain, and also cause oxidative injury to membrane lipids, proteins, and DNA.
Reference(s):
1. Mihaly GW et al. (1985). Pharmacokinetics of primaquine in man. I. Studies of the absolute bioavailability and effects of dose size. Br J Clin Pharmacol.
2. Alving AS et al. (1955). Potentiation of the curative action of primaquine in vivax malaria by quinine and chloroquine. J Lab Clin Med.
3. Hill DR et al. (2006). Primaquine: report from CDC expert meeting on malaria chemoprophylaxis I. Am J Trop Med Hyg.