Quinine: MedlinePlus Drug Information Brand names IMPORTANT WARNING: Quinine should not be used to treat or prevent nighttime leg cramps. Quinine has not been shown to be effective for this purpose, and may cause serious or life-threatening side effects, including severe bleeding problems, kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, and severe allergic reactions. Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with quinine and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website ( ) to obtain the Medication Guide. Why is this medication prescribed? Quinine is used alone or with other medications to treat malaria (a serious or life-threatening illness that is spread by mosquitos in certain parts of the world). Quinine should not be used to prevent malaria. Quinine is in a class of medications called antimalarials. It works by killing the organisms that cause malaria. How should this medicine be used? Quinine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken with food three times a day (every 8 hours) for 3 to 7 days.

Take quinine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take quinine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; do not open, chew, or crush them. Quinine has a bitter taste. You should begin to feel better during the first 1-2 days of your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Also call your doctor if you have a fever soon after you finish your treatment. This could be a sign that you are experiencing a second episode of malaria. Take quinine until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking quinine too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the organisms may become resistant to antimalarials. Other uses for this medicine Quinine is also sometimes used to treat babesiosis (a serious or life-threatening illness that is transmitted from animals to humans by ticks). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking quinine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to quinine, quinidine, mefloquine (Lariam), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in quinine capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

Be sure to mention any of the following: acetazolamide (Diamox); aminophylline; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin; antidepressants ('mood elevators') such as desipramine; certain antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and itraconazole (Sporanox); cholesterol-lowering medications such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor); cisapride (Propulsid); dextromethorphan (a medication in many cough products); fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin) (not available in the U.S.), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), and sparfloxacin (Zagam) (not available in the U.S.); macrol

ide antibiotics such as erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin) and troleandomycin (not available in the U.S.); medications for diabetes such as repaglinide (Prandin); medications for high blood pressure; medications for irregular heartbeat such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), digoxin (Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), dofetilide (Tikosyn), flecainide (Tambocor), procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl), quinidine, and sotalol (Betapace); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), and phenytoin (Dilantin); medications for ulcers such as cimetidine (Tagamet); mefloquine (Lariam); metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); paclitaxel (Abraxane, Taxol); pimozide (Orap); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SS

RIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and paroxetine (Paxil); sodium bicarbonate; tetracycline; and theophylline.

Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with quinine, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (Alternagel, Amphogel, Alu-cap, Alu-tab, Basaljel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, or Mylanta) at the same time as you take quinine.Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between taking this type of antacid and taking quinine.

tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause fainting or irregular heartbeat), an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG; a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart), and if you have or have ever had G-6-PD deficiency (an inherited blood disease), or if you have or have ever had myasthenia gravis (MG; condition that causes weakness of certain muscles), or optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve that may cause sudden changes in vision). Also tell your doctor if you have ever had a serious reaction, especially a bleeding problem or problems with your blood after taking quinine in the past. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take quinine. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a slow or irregular heartbeat; low levels of potassium in your blood; or heart, kidney, or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking quinine, call your doctor. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking quinine.

tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this medication. What special dietary instructions should I follow? Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. What should I do if I forget a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it has been more than 4 hours since the time you should have taken the missed dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. What side effects can this medication cause? This medication may cause low blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low blood sugar and what to do if you develop these symptoms. Quinine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: nausea difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears confusion nervousness Some side effects can be serious.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: rash swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs fever blurriness or changes in color vision inability to hear or see faintness purple, brown, or red spots on the skin unusual bleeding sweating dizziness Quinine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088). What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not refrigerate or freeze the medication. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include: blurriness or changes in color vision symptoms of low blood sugar changes in heartbeat What other information should I know? Keep all appointments with your doctor. Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking quinine. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

CDC - Malaria - Diagnosis & Treatment (United States) - Treatment (U.S.) doxycycline (used in combination with quinine) clindamycin (used in combination with quinine) artesunate (not licensed for use in the United States, but available through the CDC malaria hotline) In addition, primaquine is active against the dormant parasite liver forms ( hypnozoites ) and prevents relapses . Primaquine should not be taken by pregnant women or by people who are deficient in G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). Patients should not take primaquine until a screening test has excluded G6PD deficiency. How to treat a patient with malaria depends on: The type (species) of the infecting parasite The area where the infection was acquired and its drug-resistance status The clinical status of the patient Any accompanying illness or condition Pregnancy Drug allergies, or other medications taken by the patient Report a serious drug side effect If you have had a serious side effect while taking a drug, you or your health care provider can report that side effect to the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MedWatch is the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

You are encouraged to take the reporting form to your health care provider. Alternatively, health care providers can report to the FDA. by phone (1-800-FDA-1088) or fax (1-800-FDA-0178) The advantage to having your health care provider file the report is that he/she can provide clinical information based on your medical record that can help the FDA evaluate the report. However, for a variety of reasons, you may not wish to have the form completed by your provider, or the provider may not wish to complete the form. Your health care provider is not required to report to the FDA. In this case, you may complete the online reporting form at yourself via the Internet. Related Links The CDC malaria diagnosis and treatment guidelines have also been published in an article in JAMA May 23, 2007 and can be accessed for free online: view JAMA article .

Get Email Updates To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Enter Email Address Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329-4027 Health care providers needing assistance with diagnosis or management of suspected cases of malaria should call the CDC Malaria Hotline: 770-488-7788 Emergency consultation after hours, call: 770-488-7100 Definition of Quinine Definition of Quinine Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow Pictures Quinine: The original antimalarial agent, quinine took its name from the Peruvian Indian word "kina" meaning "bark of the tree" referring to the cinchona tree. From this tree, quinine was first obtained. The Peruvian Indians called it "the fever tree." Quinine, a large and complex molecule , is the most important alkaloid found in cinchona bark. Until World War I, it was the only effective treatment for malaria . In fact, quinine was the first chemical compound to be successfully used to treat an infectious disease. Quinine was isolated in crystalline form in 1820 by J.B.

Caventou and P.J. Pelletier. In one of the classical achievements of synthetic organic chemistry, R.B. Woodward and W. Doering first made synthetic quinine in 1944. Quinine acts by interfering with the growth and reproduction of the Plasmodium , the malarial parasite that lives within the victim's red blood cells . Quinine causes the parasites to disappear from the blood and the symptoms of the disease are thereby alleviated. However, when quinine treatment ends, many patients relapse . They suffer another attack of malaria due to the failure of quinine to kill the malarial parasites in cells of the body other than the red blood cells. These parasites persist and, after a time, they reinvade the red blood cells and precipitate the relapse. Since quinine does not permanently cure malaria, better drugs were sought. A number were discovered that replaced quinine during and after World War II. Some of these drugs (such as chloroquine and chloroguanide) are more effective than quinine in suppressing the growth of the blood forms of the malarial parasite.

Others (such as primaquine and pyrimethamine) act upon both the blood and tissue phases of the parasite, producing a complete cure and preventing a relapse. Quinine has been used outside of malaria as a remedy for fever and pain and to treat and prevent leg cramps. Prolonged administration of quinine may produce toxic symptoms such as deafness , disturbances in vision, skin rashes, and digestive upsets. Last Editorial Review: 5/13/2016 Malaria Treatment Malaria Treatment Malaria Home > Malaria Treatment Malaria Treatment If treatment is delayed, malaria can be a severe, potentially fatal disease. Examples of medications used to treat the disease include chloroquine, mefloquine, doxycycline, and quinine. In some cases, treatment may also involve primaquine, a medication that is used to help prevent relapses of malaria. Malaria Treatment: An Overview The key to malaria treatment is starting early. With early treatment, malaria can be cured and the serious effects of malaria can be prevented. If treatment is delayed, it can be a severe, potentially fatal disease (especially when caused by Plasmodium falciparum).

The specific malaria treatment recommended will depend on: The type (species) of the infecting parasite The area where the infection was acquired The severity of malaria symptoms The patient's age Any other illnesses or conditions Pregnancy Other medications taken by the patient. Treating malaria involves malaria medication. The specific medicine used to treat the disease will depend on the factors listed above. In areas where malaria is common, for uncomplicated malaria cases, treatment does not require a stay in the hospital; however, serious cases of malaria usually do need to be treated in the hospital. In areas where malaria is not common, patients should stay in the hospital to receive their treatment. Medications Used for Treating Malaria There are a number of different types of malaria medicine that the healthcare provider can recommend. Most of the time, these medications can be taken by mouth. Patients with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria, or who cannot take medications by mouth, can be given the treatment through an intravenous line (IV). In some countries (but not the United States), some antimalarial drugs are found in suppository form.

Specific medications used for treating malaria include: Qualaquin (quinine) medical facts from Drugs.com Qualaquin Generic Name: quinine (KWYE nine) Brand Name: Qualaquin Support Group Q & A What is Qualaquin (quinine)? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of all non-approved brands of quinine. Do not purchase quinine on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Quinine is used to treat uncomplicated malaria, a disease caused by parasites. Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia. Quinine will not treat severe forms of malaria, and it should not be taken to prevent malaria. Some people have used quinine to treat leg cramps, but this is not an FDA-approved use. Using this medication improperly or without the advice of a doctor can result in serious side effects or death. Quinine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. What is the most important information I should know about Qualaquin (quinine)? Quinine can cause serious side effects on your heart, kidneys, or blood cells.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats, unusual bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, purple or red spots under your skin), signs of infection (fever, chills, mouth sores), severe lower back pain, or blood in your urine. Slideshow It’s Buggin’ Me! How to Safely Use an Insect Repellent You should not take quinine if you have a heart rhythm disorder called Long QT syndrome, a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G-6-PD), myasthenia gravis, optic neuritis (inflammation of the nerves in your eyes), if you have taken quinine in the past and it caused a blood cell disorder or severe bleeding. Some people have used quinine to treat leg cramps, but this is not an FDA-approved use. Using this medication improperly or without the advice of a doctor can result in serious side effects or death. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Qualaquin (quinine)?

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to quinine or similar medicines such as mefloquine or quinidine, or if you have: a heart rhythm disorder called Long QT syndrome; an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G-6-PD); myasthenia gravis; optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve); or if you have taken quinine in the past and it caused a blood cell disorder, severe bleeding, or kidney problems. To make sure quinine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder; low levels of platelets in your blood; low potassium levels in your blood (hypokalemia); or liver or kidney disease. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether quinine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Quinine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 16 years old. How should I take Qualaquin (quinine)?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take with food if quinine upsets your stomach. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before your condition is completely cleared. If you need surgery or medical tests, tell your caregivers ahead of time that you are using quinine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment, or if your symptoms return after you have finished the medicine. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 4 hours late for your dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next scheduled dose time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. What should I avoid while taking Qualaquin (quinine)? Avoid taking other anti-malaria medications without your doctor's advice.

This includes chloroquine, halofantrine, and mefloquine. Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb quinine. Quinine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Do not use quinine to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Qualaquin (quinine) side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have: fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat; easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats; sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with balance; chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; problems with vision or hearing; pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; severe pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, little or no urine; low blood sugar (more common in pregnant women)--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in

 the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include: headache, blurred vision, changes in color vision; sweating or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); mild dizziness, spinning sensation, ringing in your ears; or upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. See also: Side effects (in more detail) What other drugs will affect Qualaquin (quinine)? Many drugs can interact with quinine. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with quinine, especially: acetazolamide, sodium bicarbonate; an antibiotic--azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, telithromycin, tetracycline; an antidepressant--amitriptyline, citalopram, clomipramine, desipramine, nefazodone, venlafaxine; antifungal medication--itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole; cholesterol-lowering medicine--atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin; cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan; heart medication--amiodarone, digoxin, dofetilide, disopyramide, dronedarone, flecainide, ibutilide, metoprolol, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol, verapamil; hepatitis C medications--boceprevir, telaprevir; Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist can provide more information about quinine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides.

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Copyright 1996-2012 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 9.01. Date modified: November 30, 2016 Last reviewed: April 04, 2013 Drug Status Quinine Sulfate Tablets BP 200mg - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (eMC) Quinine Sulfate Tablets BP 200mg Download Acrobat Reader The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged. Please click on the link to the left to view the PIL in PDF format. Text only version for the visually impaired Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information leaflet.

The original may contain images or tables and can be viewed in PDF format using the link to the left. This PIL may be available from the RNIB in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information please call the RNIB Medicine Leaflet line on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is/are: PL 00142/5073R. ﻿ Quinine Sulfate Tablets BP 200mg PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine. Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

Index 1 What Quinine sulfate tablets are and what they are used for 2 Before you take 6 Further information 1 What Quinine sulfate tablets are and what they are used for Quinine sulfate belongs to a group of medicines called anti-protozoal agents and they are used to treat: malaria and prevent night cramps in adults and the elderly when sleep is regularly disrupted 2 Before you take Do not take Quinine sulfate tablets and tell your doctor if you have: an allergy (hypersensitivity) to quinine (including that in tonic waters or other beverages), quinoline or any of the other ingredients (see section 6) blood in your urine suffer from muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis) problems with your eyes or difficulty seeing Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Quinine sulfate tablets if you: have irregular heart beats or other heart disease have had malaria for a long time suffer from severe glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), this can cause episodes of anaemia after eating certain foods such as fava beans (favism) or certain drugs including drugs to prevent malaria and dapsone You should not take more than the prescribed dose as a condition called ‘cinchonism’ may occur

 even with normal doses.

Please see section 4 ‘Possible side effects’ for symptoms of cinchonism and tell your doctor if you experience any of them. Taking other medicines Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Especially: anticoagulants (to stop your blood from clotting) cardiac glycosides (for your heart such as digoxin) chloroquine, mefloquine, artemether with lumefantrine or primaquine (also to treat malaria) cimetidine (to treat stomach ulcers or acid reflux and indigestion) amantadine (to treat Parkinsons Disease or some viral infections) ciclosporin (to prevent transplant rejection) flecainide, quinidine or amiodarone (to treat irregular heart beats) terfenadine (for allergic reactions) barbiturates, carbamazepine or phenytoin (used in epilepsy) Pregnancy and breast-feeding You should not take Quinine sulfate tablets if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding unless advised to by your doctor. Quinine sulfate tablets should not be used for night cramps during pregnancy.

Driving and using machines Quinine sulfate tablets may affect your vision. Make sure you are not affected before you drive or operate machinery. 3 How to take Always take Quinine sulfate tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Swallow the tablets with water. Doses: Malaria (you may be given another medicine for malaria with or after this course of quinine): Adults (including elderly) and children over 12 years - 600mg every eight hours for 5-7 days Children under 12 years - 10mg per kg of body weight every eight hours for 7 days If you have kidney or liver disease you may be given a different dose. Night cramps: Adults (including elderly) - 200mg at bedtime. It may take up to 4 weeks before you notice any reduction in the frequency of leg cramps. If you take more than you should If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of tablets at the same time, or you think a child may have swallowed any, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately.

Symptoms include loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, changes in heart beat, fits, ‘ringing’ in the ears, loss of hearing, headache, feeling or being sick and changes in vision. If you forget to take the tablets Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the right time. 4 Possible side effects Like all medicines, Quinine sulfate tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Contact your doctor at once if the following effects occur: allergic reactions –itchy skin rash, swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue, flushing, fever, asthma or sensitivity to light cinchonism –abdominal pain, diarrhoea, disturbed vision (blurred vision, changes in colour perception or field of vision, total blindness), headache, feeling or being sick, ringing in the ears or impaired hearing, rashes, loss of consciousness, fits, shock due to heart problems, irregular heart beats, death. If these occur while taking Quinine sulfate tablets for leg cramps, treatment should be stopped and a doctor contacted straight away.

changes to blood cells, if you notice that you are bruising or bleeding easily, have frequent nose bleeds, or you have more sore throats and infections than usual tell your doctor who may want to give you a blood test. Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects or notice any other effects not listed: diarrhoea, feeling or being sick, abdominal pain, low blood sugar. muscle weakness, excitement, agitation, ‘spinning’ sensation’, confusion, loss of consciousness, coma, death. headache, changes in vision, ‘ringing’ in the ears, loss of hearing. swollen, itchy, flaky, red or raised patches of skin, rashes, sensitivity to light. aggrevation of Myasthenia gravis. kidney damage, water retention, slowed heart rate, changes in heart rhythm and the way the heart beats, eczema, miscarriages (at very high concentrations), difficulty breathing. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5 How to store Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Store below 25°C in a dry place Do not use Quinine sulfate tablets after the expiry date stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6 Further information What Quinine sulfate tablets contain The active substance (the ingredient that makes the tablet work) is 200mg quinine sulfate. The other ingredients are sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, microcrystalline cellulose (E460), croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hydrogenated vegetable oil. The coating contains hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, medium chain triglycerides, macrogol 3350, titanium dioxide (E171).

What Quinine sulfate tablets look like and contents of the pack Quinine sulfate tablets are white, circular, film-coated tablets. Pack sizes are 28 tablets Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Actavis The Truth About Tonic Water The Truth About Tonic Water By Luke Yoquinto, MyHealthNewsDaily Contributor | July 6, 2012 04:59pm ET MORE Credit: Gin and tonic photo via Shutterstock Summer is a time for popsicles and corn on the cob, watermelon and ice cream, and for some, beverages prepared with clear liquors. It’s well known that alcohol affects the body and mind in profound ways, but there’s more to a mixed drink than meets the liver. What about tonic water, that bitter, effervescent liquid so often called upon during the warmer months to serve as the yin to the yang of gin? Tonic water originally existed as a way to deliver quinine, an antimalarial drug derived from the bark of the South American cinchona tree. In the early 1800s, a British officer in colonial India invented the venerable gin and tonic when he realized that alcohol helped the medicine go down in the most delightful way.

Today, tonic water still contains quinine, but the roles are reversed: a diluted, sweeter formulation of tonic water helps guide gin and vodka past the tonsils instead. Among foods and drinks that are ingested solely for reasons of taste, tonic water is unique in that it was first and foremost a medicine. Since medicines tend to have side effects, is it possible that a hidden health risk is swirling around in tonic water? The answer is yes, with some caveats. Quinine is still used to treat malaria today, although doctors typically reserve it for cases when the pathogen responsible for the disease displays resistance to newer drugs. However, you'd have to drink almost 20 liters of today's dilute tonic water daily to achieve the daily dose typically prescribed for malaria. That may come as bad news for anyone hoping to cure the deadly infection with a nightly tippling session , but it should come as a relief to the rest of us, because quinine comes with side effects. Side effects so serious, in fact, they were the reason the Food and Drug Administration banned doctors in 2010 from prescribing the drug to treat nighttime leg cramps, a frequent off-label usage.

The most serious of the common side effects is thrombocytopenia, a drop in the blood's platelet count that can lead to internal and external bleeding, as well as a related condition that can cause permanent kidney damage. Worse, these and other side effects occur to some degree in up to one in 25 patients treated with medicinal doses of quinine. Happily, the low dose of quinine found in a glass or two of tonic water isn't enough to trigger these issues in most people. However, for the unlucky few, even the small amount of quinine in tonic water can cause thrombocytopenia (doctors call this rare occurrence a "gin and tonic purpura"). People may also develop sensitivities and allergies to quinine as a result of occasional tonic water consumption, only to experience a full-blown reaction years later, upon taking a medicinal dose of quinine. Quinine can pass through the placenta from mother to fetus and there is some limited evidence that it can cause birth defects, so pregnant women should avoid the drug unless a doctor prescribes it to fight malaria. People with the metabolic disorder glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) should also avoid it.

For the rest of us, from a health perspective, alcohol is a much more worrisome mixed-drink ingredient than tonic. Pass it on: People may want to avoid tonic water if pregnant, or sensitive or allergic to quinine. Food Facts explores the weird world of the chemicals and nutrients found in our food, and appears on MyHealthNewsDaily on Fridays. Follow MyHealthNewsDaily on Twitter @ MyHealth_MHND . We're also on Facebook & Google+ . More Food Facts columns: MALARIA.com - Malaria Treatment MALARIA.com By Malaria.com 9 Comments Malaria can be a severe, potentially fatal disease (especially when caused by Plasmodium falciparum) and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. Patients who have severe P. falciparum malaria or who cannot take oral medications should be given the treatment by continuous intravenous infusion.

Most drugs used in treatment are active against the parasite forms in the blood (the form that causes disease) and include: chloroquine doxycycline (used in combination with quinine) clindamycin (used in combination with quinine) artesunate (not licensed for use in the United States, but available through the CDC malaria hotline) In addition, primaquine is active against the dormant parasite liver forms (hypnozoites) and prevents relapses. Primaquine should not be taken by pregnant women or by people who are deficient in G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). Patients should not take primaquine until a screening test has excluded G6PD deficiency. How to treat a patient with malaria depends on: The type (species) of the infecting parasite The area where the infection was acquired and its drug-resistance status The clinical status of the patient Any accompanying illness or condition Pregnancy Drug allergies, or other medications taken by the patient If you have or suspect you have malaria, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Source: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) quinine oral : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD 63 Uses This medication is used alone or with other medication to treat malaria caused by mosquito bites in countries where malaria is common. Malaria parasites can enter the body through these mosquito bites , and then live in body tissues such as red blood cells or the liver . This medication is used to kill the malaria parasites living inside red blood cells . In some cases, you may need to take a different medication (such as primaquine ) to kill the malaria parasites living in other body tissues. Both drugs may be needed for a complete cure and to prevent the return of infection (relapse). Quinine belongs to a class of drugs known as antimalarials. It is not used for the prevention of malaria. The United States Centers for Disease Control provide updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before traveling to areas where malaria occurs. How to use quinine Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking quinine and each time you get a refill.

If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth , with food to decrease upset stomach , exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This medication is usually taken every 8 hours for 3 to 7 days or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication 2 to 3 hours before or after taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium . These products bind with quinine, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, country where you were infected, other medications you may be taking for malaria, and your response to treatment. The dosage in children is also based on weight . It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other malaria medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed. Do not skip any doses. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Skipping doses or stopping the medication too early may make the infection more difficult to treat and result in a return of the infection. This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if you do not start feeling better after 1-2 days of starting this medication. If your fever returns after completing this prescription, contact your doctor so that he/she can determine whether the malaria has returned. What conditions does quinine treat? Side Effects Mild headache , flushing, unusual sweating , nausea , ringing in the ears , decreased hearing, dizziness , blurred vision , and temporary changes in color vision may occur. If any of these effects persist after your treatment is finished, or if these effects worsen while taking the medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Quinine may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially during pregnancy . Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating , shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger , blurred vision , dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. If symptoms of low blood sugar occur, increase your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, unusual purple/brown/red spots on the skin , signs of serious infection (such as high fever , severe chills, persistent sore throat ), signs of a sudden loss of red blood cells called hemolytic anemia (such as severe tiredness, brown urine, pale lips/nails/skin, rapid breathing at rest), signs of severe liver problems (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain , severe weakness , yellow skin/ eyes , unusually dark urine), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain , severe dizziness, fainting , fast/ irregular heartbeat , blindness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction , including: rash , itching /swelling (especially of the face/ tongue /throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing . This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. List quinine side effects by likelihood and severity. Precautions Before taking quinine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to quinidine or mefloquine ; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: previous serious side effects with quinine (such as blood problems), family/personal history of a certain enzyme problem (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency-G6PD), a certain eye nerve problem (optic neuritis), hearing problems (such as ringing in the ears), a certain nerve/muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), heart rhythm problems (such as atrial fibrillation/flutter), kidney problems, liver problems. This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Quinine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using quinine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using quinine safely. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above). This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. This drug passes into breast milk. However, this drug is unlikely to harm some nursing infants. Your doctor will test your infant for a certain enzyme deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency-G6PD) before you breast-feed.

Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Interactions See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), penicillamine. Other medications can affect the removal of quinine from your body, which may affect how quinine works. Examples include cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), urinary alkalinizers such as acetazolamide/sodium bicarbonate, among others. This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work.

Examples of affected drugs include desipramine, digoxin, certain "statin" drugs (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), certain anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital), among others. Many drugs besides quinine may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, mefloquine, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Therefore, before using quinine, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist. Cimetidine is a nonprescription drug that is commonly used to treat extra stomach acid (such as heartburn, ulcers). Because cimetidine and aluminum/magnesium antacids may interact with quinine, ask your pharmacist about other products to treat extra stomach acid. Quinine is very similar to quinidine. Do not use medications containing quinidine while using quinine. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine tests for catecholamines, protein, steroids), possibly causing false test results.

Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. Does quinine interact with other medications? Overdose If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: sudden vision change, confusion, severe trouble hearing, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, slow/shallow breathing, seizures, inability to wake up (coma). Notes Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as G6PD blood level, vision tests, blood potassium, liver tests, kidney tests, EKG) may be performed before you start this medication. Consult your doctor for more details. Missed Dose If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 4 hours has passed since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Storage Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc. Images Sorry. No images are available for this medication. Add to Cabinet Add Adderall to my medicine cabinet. I am

Question: What disease was quinine used to treat?
Answer: Malaria