Information about Quinine

Quinine Uses

Quinine is used in the treatment of malaria. It may also be used to treat and prevent night-time leg cramps.

How Quinine works

Quinine is an antiparasitic medication which treats malaria. It works by increasing the levels of haeme in the blood, a substance toxic to the malarial parasite. This kills the parasite and stops the infection from spreading.

Common side effects of Quinine

Nausea, Abdominal pain, Blurred vision, Dizziness, Headache, Ringing in ear, Vomiting, Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), Diarrhea, Deafness, Sweating, Abnormal heart rhythm, Hearing loss, Visual impairment, Blindness
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Written By
BCMAS, Pharm.D
Reviewed By
MBA, MD Pharmacology
Last updated
13 Jun 2023 | 11:25 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Quinine

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19 to ₹1325 variant(s)
QstMcW Healthcare
27 to ₹1145 variant(s)
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Rez-QShreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
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NineSkymax Laboratories Pvt Ltd
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QsmLeben Laboratories Pvt Ltd
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Linquine FLincoln Pharmaceuticals Ltd
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Quinoquin ECLeo Pharmaceuticals
59 to ₹652 variant(s)

Expert advice for Quinine

  • Quinine helps in the treatment of malaria.
  • It may also be used to treat and prevent night-time leg cramps in adults.
  • Take it as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Taking too much of this medicine may lead to serious, irreversible side effects.
  • Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
  • Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Quinine affects you.
  • Have regular eye tests done while you are taking this medicine. Stop taking Quinine and immediately inform your doctor if you notice any changes in your vision.
  • Inform your doctor if you develop a rash or ringing in your ears.
  • It can cause lowering of blood sugar level. Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor, and anxiety.
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Quinine

Quinine

Q. Who should not use Quinine?

Use of Quinine should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Quinine or any of its components. However, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are using Quinine for the first time, consult your doctor.

Q. What should I tell my doctor before starting treatment with Quinine?

Before starting treatment with Quinine, inform your doctor if you have any other health conditions like kidney or heart-related problems. This is because certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even need dose modifications. Also, let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q. Is Quinine safe?

Quinine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Quinine?

If you forget a dose of Quinine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. Can I stop taking Quinine when I feel better?

No, do not stop taking Quinine without consulting your doctor even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, for better and complete treatment, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.

Q. How long does it take for malaria symptoms to show?

Symptoms of malaria can develop as quickly as 7 days after you are being bitten by an infected mosquito. Typically, the time between being infected and the appearance of symptoms (incubation period) is 7 to 18 days. However, in some cases it can take up to one year for the symptoms to develop. Initial symptoms of malaria are flu-like which include feeling hot and shivery, muscle pains, vomiting, headaches and diarrhea.

Q. How can you prevent yourself from getting malaria?

Malaria can be avoided by taking the right approach towards prevention. Avoid mosquito bites by covering your arms and legs, using mosquito net and insect repellent. Check with your doctor whether you need to take malaria prevention tablets. If you do, make sure you take the right antimalarial tablets at the right dose, and finish the proper course of treatment. Seek immediate medical advice from the doctor if you have malaria symptoms.

Q. Can I take Quinine if I have kidney disease?

Quinine should be used with caution in patients having an impaired kidney function. Do not self medicate and avoid its use. If the impairment is very severe then the use of this medicine should be avoided. Therefore, inform your doctor before taking Quinine.

Q. Can I take Quinine when I am pregnant?

No, the use of Quinine is not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm your unborn baby. Seek proper advice from your doctor on using this medicine, if you are pregnant.

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