What is KRINTAFEL used for?

KRINTAFEL is used to prevent malaria from returning in patients 16 and older who are already taking chloroquine for an active P. vivax infection.

Can I take KRINTAFEL to treat an active malaria infection?

No, KRINTAFEL is not intended to treat the initial acute malaria infection; it is meant to prevent a relapse.

What test do I need before taking KRINTAFEL?

All patients must be tested for G6PD deficiency before starting KRINTAFEL to prevent serious blood problems.

Should I take KRINTAFEL with food?

Yes, you should take KRINTAFEL with food to help your body absorb the medicine more effectively.

Is KRINTAFEL safe to take if I am pregnant?

KRINTAFEL is not recommended during pregnancy because it can cause anemia in a fetus with G6PD deficiency.

Can I breastfeed while taking KRINTAFEL?

You should not breastfeed if your baby is G6PD deficient or if their G6PD status is unknown.

What are the common side effects of KRINTAFEL?

Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and a decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Can KRINTAFEL affect my mental health?

Yes, serious psychiatric reactions have been seen in patients with a history of psychiatric conditions, especially at higher doses.

How long does KRINTAFEL stay in my system?

KRINTAFEL has a long half-life of about 15 days, meaning it stays in your body for an extended period.

What should I do if I take too much KRINTAFEL?

An overdose can cause low hemoglobin or methemoglobinemia; you should seek medical care for symptom management.

Tafenoquine Succinate | CAS 106635-81-8 | CQBKFGJRAOXYIP

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Antimalarial

KRINTAFEL (tafenoquine succinate) is an oral medicine used to prevent malaria from coming back in people aged 16 and older who are already being treated for an active P. vivax malaria infection with chloroquine. It is not used to treat the initial malaria infection itself. Before taking KRINTAFEL, patients must be tested for a condition called G6PD deficiency, as the drug can cause serious blood issues in people with this deficiency.

How it worksTafenoquine is part of a group of medicines called 8-aminoquinolines used to fight malaria.

Brand names:KRINTAFEL, ARAKODA

Used for

Prevention of relapse (radical cure) of P. vivax malaria in patients 16 years and older receiving chloroquine therapy.

Conditions

P. vivax malaria (prevention of relapse)

Class

Antimalarial8-aminoquinolineHematologicPsychiatricImmune System

How to take

FormsTablet

RoutesOral

The standard dose for adults and teens 16+ is a single 300 mg dose, which consists of two 150 mg tablets taken at the same time.

Take KRINTAFEL with food to help your body absorb it better. Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush, break, or chew them.

Key warnings

·You must be tested for G6PD deficiency before taking KRINTAFEL to avoid the risk of serious anemia.
·KRINTAFEL is not recommended during pregnancy because it may cause anemia in a fetus with G6PD deficiency.
·If you have a history of mental health issues, talk to your doctor, as serious psychiatric reactions have been seen at higher doses.
·Because this medicine stays in your body for a long time (about 15 days), side effects like mental health changes or allergic reactions may be delayed.

Do not use if

·Patients with G6PD deficiency or unknown G6PD status.
·Breastfeeding mothers if the infant is G6PD deficient or status is unknown.
·People with a known allergy to tafenoquine, other 8-aminoquinolines, or any ingredients in KRINTAFEL.

Side effects

Common

DizzinessNauseaVomitingHeadacheDecreased hemoglobin

Serious

·Hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells)
·Methemoglobinemia (a condition affecting blood oxygen levels)
·Serious psychiatric (mental health) reactions
·Severe allergic reactions (such as swelling/angioedema)

Seek help if

·signs of hemolytic anemia
·signs of methemoglobinemia
·serious psychiatric changes
·allergic reactions like swelling

Interactions

·Avoid taking KRINTAFEL with drugs that use the OCT2 or MATE transporters, such as dofetilide or metformin, as it may increase the risk of toxicity.
·Avoid coadministration with RELA or TIKOSYN.

FoodTaking KRINTAFEL with food increases how much of the drug your body absorbs.

Special populations

PregnancyKRINTAFEL is not recommended during pregnancy because it can cause serious blood problems in a fetus that has G6PD deficiency. Females of reproductive age should consider a pregnancy test before starting treatment.

BreastfeedingDo not breastfeed if your infant is G6PD deficient or if you do not know the infant's G6PD status.

PediatricKRINTAFEL is safe and effective for patients aged 16 years and older. Its safety for children under 16 has not been established.

GeriatricThere is not enough data from clinical trials to know if people aged 65 and older respond differently than younger patients.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Signs of hemolytic anemia
·Signs of methemoglobinemia
·Psychiatric symptoms
·Allergic reactions

Questions to ask

·Am I at risk for G6PD deficiency?
·How will KRINTAFEL interact with my current medications like metformin?
·Should I be concerned about my mental health while taking this?
·What are the signs of hemolytic anemia I should look for?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetMaximum plasma concentrations are generally observed 12 to 15 hours after taking it orally.

Half-lifeThe average terminal half-life is approximately 15 days.

DurationThe drug has a long half-life of 15 days.

BioavailabilityTaking KRINTAFEL with a high-calorie, high-fat meal increases absorption (AUC by 41% and C max by 31%).

Protein bindingProtein binding of tafenoquine is greater than 99.5%.

Metabolismnull

Excretionnull

Practical

OverdoseAn overdose may cause a drop in hemoglobin and methemoglobinemia. Treatment involves managing symptoms and providing supportive care.

Ingredients

Inactive

magnesium stearatemannitolmicrocrystalline cellulosehydroxypropylmethylcellulosepolyethylene glycolred iron oxidetitanium dioxide

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.