Tafenoquine

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Pronounced

"ta-FEN-oh-kwin"

Uses

Tafenoquine is used in combination with another medication (chloroquine) to prevent the return of malaria. Malaria is caused by infection with a parasite spread by mosquito bite. After they multiply and grow, the parasites infect your red blood cells and cause symptoms of malaria (such as fever, chills, sweating, headache, other flu-like symptoms). This medication works by stopping the growth of the parasite that causes malaria.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking tafenoquine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually a one-time dose taken on the first or second day of treatment with other antimalarial medication (chloroquine). The manufacturer directs to swallow this medication whole, and to not break, crush, or chew the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be split, crushed, or chewed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.

If you vomit within 1 hour after taking your dose, ask your doctor if you should take another dose.

No medication is completely effective in preventing the return of malaria. Malaria treatment works best when it is started early. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

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Information expires December 2025.