Quinine

Uses of Quinine

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.

Precautions and Warnings

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that quinine should not be used to treat leg cramps. It has not been shown to work for this use and may cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

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.

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.

Dosage

The 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. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.

Take this medication by mouth with food (to decrease upset stomach) as directed by your doctor, usually every 8 hours for 3 to 7 days.

Side effects

Common side effects:

• 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.