Primaquine may cause hemolysis in –
**Core Concept**
Primaquine is an antimalarial drug that belongs to the 8-aminoquinoline class, which works by targeting the parasite's heme biosynthesis pathway. This class of drugs is known to cause hemolysis in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Primaquine's mechanism of action involves the inhibition of the parasite's dihydroorotate dehydrogenase enzyme, which is essential for the synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. However, in individuals with G6PD deficiency, the oxidative stress caused by primaquine can lead to the accumulation of free radicals, resulting in hemolysis. This is because G6PD is a crucial enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, which helps to maintain the levels of reduced glutathione and protect red blood cells from oxidative damage.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not relevant to the potential side effects of primaquine.
* **Option B:** Although primaquine can cause hemolysis, it is not directly related to the kidneys.
* **Option C:** This option is not a known contraindication or side effect of primaquine.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
G6PD deficiency is a common genetic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in areas where malaria is endemic. It is essential for clinicians to be aware of this condition and to screen patients for G6PD deficiency before prescribing primaquine or other 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial drugs.
**Correct Answer: D. Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.**