NCIt definition : The phosphate salt form of primaquine, a synthetic, 8-aminoquinoline derivative with
antimalarial properties. Although its mechanism of action is unclear, primaquine bind
to and alter the properties of protozoal DNA. This agent eliminates tissue (exo-erythrocytic)
malarial infection, preventing the development of the erythrocytic forms of the parasite
which are responsible for relapses in Plasmodium vivax and ovale malaria. Primaquine
is active against late hepatic stages (hypnozoites, schizonts).;