Medicines and Products for G6PD Deficiency

There is no medicine that cures G6PD deficiency. Treatment means avoiding drugs that can trigger haemolysis and supporting the body during an episode.

Medicines that can cause haemolysis (high risk)

Always check with a doctor or pharmacist. Medicines of concern include:

• Primaquine and tafenoquine (antimalarials)
• Dapsone (used in leprosy and some skin conditions)
• Rasburicase (used in some cancer treatments)
• Methylene blue
• Nitrofurantoin and some sulfonamide antibiotics (for example sulfamethoxazole in co-trimoxazole), depending on dose and variant
• Some other drugs, including certain quinolones, and naphthalene (not a medicine but a chemical)

Medicines that are usually considered safe at normal doses

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) at standard doses
• Many common antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cephalosporins

Risk depends on the variant, the dose and the person. Do not rely on a general list. Ask your doctor.

Treatment of a haemolytic episode

• Stop the trigger
• Fluids and rest
• Hospital care for severe anaemia, which may include blood transfusion
• Treatment of any infection, with safe medicines
• Newborns with jaundice may need phototherapy or exchange transfusion

What does not work

Herbal products, iron tablets (unless iron deficiency is proven) and vitamin cocktails do not cure the enzyme deficiency.

Safety steps

• Carry a list of medicines to avoid.
• Tell every doctor and pharmacist you have G6PD deficiency.
• Check herbal and Ayurvedic products with your doctor.

See a doctor

Dark urine, yellow eyes or severe weakness after a new medicine need same-day care. Call 112 or 102 in an emergency.