Quinine

Description

Quinine is an effective antimalarial medicine obtained from the bark of cinchona tree. It is used to treat uncomplicated malaria that is resistant to chloroquine.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Quinine

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Black or tarry stools
  • Bloody stool
  • Blurred vision
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Difficult and painful breathing
  • Severe back pain
  • Ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • Swelling of the eyes, ears, and inside of nose
  • Slurred speech
  • Sleeplessness
  • Excessive hunger
  • Fast heartbeat

Uses of Quinine

What is it prescribed for?

  • Malaria
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The time taken for this medicine to show its effect is not known. However, it is readily available when taken orally and reaches the peak levels within 1-4 hours.
  • Duration of effect
    The time duration for which this medicine remains active in the body is subject to variations based on the patient's condition.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Is it habit forming?
    No habit forming tendencies were reported.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Use of this medicine in pregnant women is not recommended unless absolutely necessary and the benefits outweigh the risk associated with use. Consult your doctor using this medicine.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Use of this medicine by women who are breastfeeding is not recommended unless necessary. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to quinine or other related antimalarial medicines like mefloquine, quinidine etc.

G6PD deficiency

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having this rare hereditary condition where the red blood cell function is abnormal.

Quinine associated blackwater fever

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having a history of blackwater fever associated with quinine use.

Myasthenia gravis

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from this condition where muscles tire rapidly.

Optic neuritis

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from this condition where the nerve fibers of the eye are damaged.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Use of this medicine in pregnant women is not recommended unless absolutely necessary and the benefits outweigh the risk associated with use. Consult your doctor using this medicine.

Breast-feeding

Use of this medicine by women who are breastfeeding is not recommended unless necessary. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings

Antacids

Report the regular use of medicines taken for reducing acidity. This medicine may interact with acidity regulating medications and may potentially cause side effects.

Heart diseases

Report the incidence of any disease of the heart and blood vessels to the doctor. The risk of adverse effects on the heart is significantly high while using this medicine. This medicine should be used with caution in patients susceptible to heart conditions or are exposed to the risk factors.

Nicotine uptake

This medicine is known to show less effect in people who smoke regularly or use tobacco products in any form. Use of tobacco products should be avoided while taking this medicine.

Low blood sugar

This medicine is known to cause a fall in blood sugar levels upon consumption. Appropriate precautionary measures and a regular check are advised especially if you have diabetes.

Surgery

Report the use of this medicine to the doctor if a surgery is advised. Use of this medicine can cause adverse effects and may interfere with the regular procedure.

Off label use

Use of this medicine for treating or relieving symptoms not associated with malaria is not recommended. Any off-label use of this medicine should be avoided.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose only if you are late by less than four hours. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, change in the heartbeat, excessive sweating etc.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine

Ketoconazole

Amiodarone

Pimozide

Quinidine

Aminophylline

Atorvastatin

Ritonavir

Magnesium/Aluminum containing medicines

Sodium Bicarbonate

Disease interactions

Disease

Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Quinine as instructed by the doctor. It is advised to take this medicine for the entire prescribed course even if the symptoms get better. This medicine can be taken with food if gastric irritation is experienced. Contact your doctor if any serious side effects are experienced while taking this medicine.
Miscelleneous

To be taken with food

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
This medicine works by interfering with some vital functions inside the cell of the parasite present in the human blood.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Antimalarial Quinolines

Schedule

Schedule H

[Internet]. 2017 [cited 30 April 2017]. Available from:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/26248

[Internet]. 2017 [cited 30 April 2017]. Available from:

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/spcpil/documents/spcpil/con1468558446759.pdf

DailyMed - Quinine capsule [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 30 April 2017]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f567d5c7-ea5d-49a7-a035-b47208135f73

Quinine | C20H24N2O2 - PubChem [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 30 April 2017]. Available from:

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/3034034#section=Top

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Information on this page was last updated on 16 Nov 2017

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