An adult with confirmed uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria completes the full ACT-SP course. As part of the standard NVBDCP treatment protocol, a single dose of primaquine is added as a gametocytocidal agent. The recommended dose is:

• A 3.5 mg/kg total divided over 3 days
• B 0.75 mg/kg daily for 14 days
• C 0.75 mg/kg single dose ✓
• D 0.25 mg/kg single dose

Explanation

For P. falciparum, primaquine is given as a single dose of 0.75 mg/kg body weight on the second day of treatment purely for its gametocytocidal effect, reducing transmission. It does not act on liver stages because falciparum has no hypnozoites. This contrasts sharply with vivax malaria, where primaquine 0.25 mg/kg daily for 14 days achieves radical cure. Primaquine is contraindicated in pregnancy and infants under 6 months, and G6PD testing is advised where feasible.

Reference: National Drug Policy on Malaria, NVBDCP, 2013 (updated) ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.