NCIt definition : The succinate salt form of tafenoquine, an orally bioavailable 8-aminoquinoline derivative,
with antimalarial activity. Although the mechanism is not completely understood, upon
administration, tafenoquine inhibits the parasitic enzyme heme polymerase in the blood
stages of the parasites. This inhibits the conversion of the toxic heme into non-toxic
hemazoin, thereby resulting in the accumulation of toxic heme within the parasite.
Tafenoquine is active against all the stages of Plasmodium species and is also active
against the pre-erythrocytic liver stages of the parasites. This prevents the development
of the erythrocytic forms of the parasite which are responsible for relapses in P.
vivax malaria.;