Quinine
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | Malaria |
| Therapy | Anti-Malarial |
| Side Effects | Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, headache |
Medicines
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19k pincodes
Molecule Description
Quinine is an antimalarial medicine used to treat malaria. It may also be used to treat and prevent nighttime leg cramps. This medicine works by acting directly on malaria-causing organisms and thus inhibiting their growth. It should be taken as directed by the doctor and in the exact dose and duration as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine, even if you start feeling better after taking this medicine. Stopping this medicine suddenly may result in treatment failure and incomplete eradication of malaria-causing organisms from the body. Thereby, increasing the risk of re-infection. Before taking Quinine, inform the doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding and about your detailed medical history.
Uses
- Quinine is used for the treatment of malaria.
- It may also be used to treat and prevent nighttime leg cramps.
Contraindications
When should one not use Quinine
- If you are allergic to quinine or any of the ingredients of this medicine.
- If you have any kind of eye problem such as swelling in the eye or difficulty in vision.
- If you have a condition of muscle weakness.
- If you are suffering from ringing in the ears.
- If you have any kind of blood-related disorder.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Muscle or joint pain
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have heart disorders like irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, etc.
- You have a history of malaria for a long time.
- You were born or have any other medical condition that affects heart rhythm.
- You have an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Quinine works by increasing the levels of heme (a toxic substance to the malarial parasite) in the blood. As a result, it kills the parasite and helps to stop the infection from spreading further.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Quinine may interact with other medications and provide an altered response to the treatment. Please notify your doctor if you are undergoing any other treatments, over-the-counter medications and herbal preparations.
- Especially, if you are taking any other anti-malarial medicines like artemether with lumefantrine, chloroquine, etc., anti-coagulants, heart-related medicines, anti-epileptic medicines, medicines for brain-related disorders, antiparkinson medicine, etc.
- Other medicines that should be used with caution are immunosuppressants like ciclosporin, antibiotics like moxifloxacin, anti-fungal medicines, muscle relaxants, anti-HIV medicines, anti-reflux medicines, painkillers, etc.
Dosage
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include headache, nausea, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, muscle twitching, etc. In case of an overdose, contact your doctor or reach out to your nearest hospital as soon as possible. Try to carry the pack of the medicine to make overdose assessment easier for doctor/hospital staff.
Missed a Dose
- It would be best if you don't miss a dose of anti-malarial medicine as it may lead to treatment failure.
- If you have missed taking any dose of Quinine, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it's already the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- Never take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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