Under NVBDCP, the drug of choice for P. vivax malaria in an adult non-pregnant patient for radical cure (eliminating liver hypnozoites) currently recommended is:
- A Tafenoquine single dose 300 mg
- B Chloroquine for 3 days only
- C Primaquine 0.25 mg/kg/day for 14 days ✓
- D Artesunate combination therapy with no primaquine
Correct answer: C. Primaquine 0.25 mg/kg/day for 14 days
Explanation
Under the current NVBDCP guidelines, radical cure for P. vivax requires primaquine at 0.25 mg/kg/day for 14 days to eliminate hepatic hypnozoites and prevent relapse. G6PD testing should precede treatment. Tafenoquine (single dose) is a newer option approved in some countries but not the NVBDCP standard. Chloroquine alone treats the blood stage only and does not prevent relapse. All P. vivax patients (except pregnant women, infants <6 months, and G6PD deficient) must receive primaquine.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.