Under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), the drug of choice for radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria in a G6PD-normal patient is primaquine. The recommended regimen currently used in India is:
- A Primaquine 0.25 mg/kg/day for 14 days along with chloroquine
- B Primaquine 15 mg daily for 14 days with chloroquine ✓
- C Primaquine 0.5 mg/kg as a single dose with chloroquine
- D Primaquine 0.75 mg/kg weekly for 8 weeks
Correct answer: B. Primaquine 15 mg daily for 14 days with chloroquine
Explanation
India's NVBDCP recommends primaquine 15 mg (0.25 mg/kg for adults) daily for 14 days combined with chloroquine (day 1-3) for radical cure of P. vivax. For high-risk areas and to improve compliance, WHO recommends 0.5 mg/kg/day for 7 days. The 0.5 mg/kg single dose is for P. falciparum gametocyte clearance only, not radical cure.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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