What is Quinine for ?
This medication is an antimalarial agent, prescribed for malaria and nighttime leg muscle cramps. It works by killing the malaria parasite.
How does Quinine work ?
It works to harm the parasite and fight the infection.
How should Quinine be used ?
Use as you have been told, even if you are feeling better. Take with food to stop an upset stomach. Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
Common side effects of Quinine ?
Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar. Belly pain. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Loose stools (diarrhea). Headache. Flushing. Unsafe allergic effects may rarely happen.
What do I do if I miss a dose ?
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.
What precautions should I take when taking Quinine ?
If you have an allergy to quinine or any other part of this drug. - Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. - If you have any of these health problems: Black water fever, G6PD deficiency, swelling of a nerve in the eye, long QT on ECG, low platelets, or myasthenia gravis.
When do I need to seek medical help ?
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Trouble breathing. A fast heartbeat. Change in hearing. Hearing loss. Signs of low blood pressure. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Ringing in ears. Pinpoint red spots on your skin. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very loose stools (diarrhea). Any bruising or bleeding. Sudden change in eyesight or in the way you see color. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take Quinine with other medicines ?
Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.
Are there any food restrictions ?
Avoid Alcohol.
How do I store Quinine ?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Pregnancy Category ?
Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Therapeutic Classification ?
Antimalarials, Muscle Relaxants.