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Quinine - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Quinine

Generic Name : Quinine
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Quinine are provided here.

Pronunciation : kwye' nine

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Quinine, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y41.2 Therapeutic Classification : Anti- Malarials

Trade Names/Brand Names of Quinine

India :

International :


Qualaquin

Why is Quinine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an antimalarial agent, prescribed for malaria and nighttime leg muscle cramps. It works by killing the malaria parasite.

When should Quinine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, myasthenia gravis and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Quinine?

Adult: PO- Malaria As sulfate: The recommended dose is 648 mg 8 hourly for 7 days.
Nocturnal leg cramps- The recommended dose is 200-300 mg at bedtime.

How should Quinine be taken?

It comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth, with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Quinine?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of prolonged QT interval, heart, kidney, or liver disease, abnormal electrocardiogram, G-6-PD deficiency, myasthenia gravis, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid exposure to sunlight.

• It may affect platelet counts, avoid injury or bruising.

What are the side effects of Quinine?

Most Common - Headache, dilatation of blood vessels, sweating, nausea, ringing in the ear, hearing impairment, dizziness, blurred vision and disturbances.
General - Fever, chills, flushing, weakness, lupus-like syndrome and hypersensitivity reactions.
Central Nervous System - Confusion, altered mental status, seizures, coma, disorientation, tremors, restlessness and incoordination.
Skin - Rash, hives, itching and skin inflammation.
Respiratory - Asthma, difficulty in breathing and lung swelling.
Heart - Chest pain, dilatation of blood vessels, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, palpitations, QT prolongation and fainting.
Gastrointestinal - Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gastric irritation and heartburn.
Liver - Jaundice and abnormal liver function tests.
Metabolic - Decrease in sugar and loss of appetite.
Musculoskeletal - Muscle pain and muscle weakness.
Genitourinary - Kidney failure/ inflammation.
Eye and ENT - Sudden loss of vision, sensitivity to light, double vision, night blindness, diminished visual fields, fixed pupillary dilatation, disturbed color vision, eye inflammation, blindness, unsteadiness, ringing in the ear, hearing impairment and deafness.

What are the other precautions for Quinine?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Quinine?

Store it at room temperature.
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