Piperaquine
Description
Piperaquine is an antimalarial medicine used in a combination with other medicines for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria infections in adults and children.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Piperaquine
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
Uses of Piperaquine
What is it prescribed for?
- Malaria
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to piperaquine or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Cardiovascular diseases
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects including an irregular heart rhythm. Close monitoring of heart function and vital signs, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of renal function is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Vomiting
Use of this medicine may cause persistent vomiting in some patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary in these cases based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
The missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is already time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
The absorption of this medicine is increased in the presence of fatty food and this may cause severe adverse effects such as an irregular heart rhythm in some patients. Hence, this medicine should be consumed on an empty stomach.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. You are advised to take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 3 hours before eating food. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by increasing the concentration of a substance that inhibits the growth of the malarial parasite.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antimalarial agents, 4-Aminoquinolines
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2018 [cited 10 April 2018]. Available from:
Piperaquine - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 10 April 2018]. Available from:
Davis TM e. Piperaquine: a resurgent antimalarial drug. - PubMed - NCBI [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 10 April 2018]. Available from:
Patil C. Fixed dose combination of arterolane and piperaquine: A newer prospect in antimalarial therapy. 2018. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 25 Apr 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.