PRIMAQUINE DIPHOSPHATE Meaning and
Definition
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Primaquine diphosphate is a pharmaceutical compound that is primarily used as an antimalarial medication. It is classified as a blood schizontocidal drug, meaning that it targets the asexual forms of the malaria parasite that reside within the red blood cells. Primaquine diphosphate is particularly effective against Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale, two species of the malaria parasite that can cause relapses even after initial treatment with other antimalarial drugs.
The compound is available in tablet form for oral administration. Once ingested, primaquine diphosphate is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. It then undergoes metabolic activation in the liver to form its active metabolite, which is responsible for its antimalarial activity.
Primaquine diphosphate works by interfering with the reproduction of the malaria parasite within the red blood cells. It affects the metabolism of the parasite, leading to its inability to multiply and eventually causing its destruction. By eliminating the immature forms of the parasite, primaquine diphosphate helps prevent future relapses and aids in the complete eradication of the malaria infection.
Aside from its antimalarial properties, primaquine diphosphate also exhibits some anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, although these actions are less well understood and less commonly used.
It is important to note that primaquine diphosphate should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to potential side effects, drug interactions, and the need for careful monitoring, particularly in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a condition that can increase the risk of certain adverse reactions to the medication.
Common Misspellings for PRIMAQUINE DIPHOSPHATE
Etymology of PRIMAQUINE DIPHOSPHATE
The word "primaquine" is derived from two parts: "prima" and "quine".
The term "prima" stems from the Latin word "primus", meaning "first" or "primary". In the context of medication, it suggests that primaquine is the first or primary drug of its kind used for a particular purpose.
The second part, "quine", refers to the class of drugs known as quinoline antimalarials. These drugs are primarily used to treat or prevent malaria.
The term "diphosphate" refers to the chemical structure of the molecule. Diphosphate indicates the presence of two phosphate groups in the compound's structure.
Overall, "primaquine diphosphate" denotes a drug that is part of the quinoline antimalarial class and contains two phosphate groups in its molecular structure.
