Tafenoquine
Tafenoquine is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial medication used for the prevention and treatment of malaria, particularly effective against Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum parasites. It works by targeting both the blood stage and liver stage forms of the parasite, helping to eliminate infection and prevent relapse.
Tafenoquine is a prescription antimalarial drug used to prevent and treat malaria infections, including Plasmodium vivax.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P01BA07
- RxNorm
- 2054023
- Generic
- Tafenoquine
- Class
- atc-p01
- Brands
- Arakoda, Krintafel, Kodatef
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Prevention and radical cure (prevention of relapse) of Plasmodium vivax malaria in patients 16 years and older; prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults; treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria (in combination with other antimalarials)
Tafenoquine is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial that accumulates in malaria parasites and causes cellular damage through generation of reactive oxygen species and interference with mitochondrial function, effectively killing the parasite at both blood and liver stages
Requires G6PD testing before use due to risk of hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient patients; contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding; not for use in patients with psychiatric conditions; may cause GI side effects and headache; drug interactions with certain medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy