Piperaquine

Information about Piperaquine

Piperaquine uses

Piperaquine is used in the treatment of malaria.

How piperaquine works

Piperaquine is an antiparasitic medication which treats malaria. It works by increasing the levels of haeme in the blood, a substance toxic to the malarial parasite. This kills the parasite and stops the infection from spreading.

Common side effects of piperaquine

Palpitations, Atrial arrhythmias (altered heart rate), Cough, Breathlessness, Nausea, Vomiting, Weakness

Available Medicine for Piperaquine

Fal-DP
₹117
Zuventus Healthcare Ltd
1 variant(s)
Faldp
1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Piperaquine

Piperaquine should be taken on an empty stomach.
Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
Tips to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Wear light-colored and covered clothing when you are outside after sunset.
- Use insect repellent creams or sprays on parts of your body not covered by clothing.
- Spray to kill any mosquitoes that may have entered rooms in spite of screening.
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the tablets, take another dose.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney liver or heart disease.

Frequently asked questions for Piperaquine

Piperaquine

Q. Who should not use Piperaquine?

Use of Piperaquine should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Piperaquine or any of its components. However, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are using Piperaquine for the first time, consult your doctor.

Q. What should I tell my doctor before starting treatment with Piperaquine?

Before starting treatment with Piperaquine, inform your doctor if you have any other health problems, like kidney or heart problems. This is because certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even need dose modifications. Also, let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q. Is Piperaquine safe?

Piperaquine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Piperaquine?

If you forget a dose of Piperaquine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. Can I stop taking Piperaquine when I feel better?

No, do not stop taking Piperaquine without consulting your doctor even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, for better and complete treatment, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.

Q. How long does it take for malaria symptoms to show?

Symptoms of malaria can develop as quickly as 7 days after you are bitten by an infected mosquito. Usually, the symptoms may take upto 7 to 18 days to appear (incubation periods) from the day of the infection. However, in some cases, it can take up to one year for the symptoms to develop. Initial symptoms of malaria are flu-like which include feeling hot and shivery, muscle pains, vomiting, headaches and diarrhea.

Q. How can you prevent yourself from getting malaria?

Malaria can be avoided by taking the right approach towards prevention. Avoid mosquito bites by covering your arms and legs, using mosquito net and insect repellent. Check with your doctor whether you need to take malaria prevention tablets. If you do, make sure you take the right antimalarial tablets at the right dose, and finish the proper course of treatment. Seek immediate medical advice from the doctor if you have malaria symptoms.

Q. Can I take Piperaquine if I have kidney disease?

Piperaquine should be used with caution in patients having an impaired kidney function. Do not self medicate and avoid its use if the impairment is very severe then the use of this medicine should be avoided. Therefore, inform your doctor before taking Piperaquine.

Q. Can I take Piperaquine when I am pregnant?

No, the use of Piperaquine is not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm your unborn baby. Seek proper advice from your doctor on using this medicine, if you are pregnant.