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General Medication Fact Sheet for Quinine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Quinine |
| Brand Name Versions | Qualaquin |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Quinine use can cause serious and life-threatening hematologic reactions, including thrombocytopenia and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Discontinue immediately if symptoms occur. |
| Purpose | Treatment of malaria; sometimes used for nocturnal leg cramps (though risks generally outweigh benefits) |
| Mechanism of Action | Interferes with parasite’s ability to digest hemoglobin, leading to buildup of toxic heme and parasite death. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 324 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically once daily for leg cramps or as prescribed for malaria (frequency varies). |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tinnitus, headache |
| Serious Side Effects | Thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, cinchonism (tinnitus, hearing loss, blurred vision), cardiac arrhythmias, severe allergic reactions |
| Drug Interactions | Warfarin, digoxin, mefloquine, quinidine, antiarrhythmic drugs, drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes |
| Important Notes | Use with extreme caution due to potential for serious side effects. Risk of cinchonism. Monitor for signs of hematologic reactions. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember if treating malaria; if for leg cramps, skip if close to next dose. Do not double dose. |
| Alternatives | For malaria: Atovaquone/Proguanil, Artemether/Lumefantrine, Doxycycline, Mefloquine. For leg cramps: Lifestyle changes, stretching, magnesium supplementation (consult doctor) |
Quinine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) | Inhibits parasite mitochondrial electron transport and dihydrofolate reductase. | Used for malaria prevention and treatment. |
| Artemether/Lumefantrine (Coartem) | Artemether creates toxic free radicals; lumefantrine inhibits parasite growth. | Used for uncomplicated malaria. |
| Doxycycline | Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. | Used for malaria prevention and treatment; also an antibiotic. |
| Lifestyle changes (for leg cramps) | N/A | Stretching, hydration, regular exercise may help. Consult doctor. |
Quinine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) |
| Vomiting | Hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells) |
| Diarrhea | Cinchonism (tinnitus, hearing loss, blurred vision) |
| Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) | Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) |
| Headache | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
Quinine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaria | Varies based on severity | Varies based on severity and treatment regimen | Follow doctor’s specific instructions. |
| Nocturnal Leg Cramps (Use with caution and only when other options fail) | 200-300 mg at bedtime | 200-300 mg at bedtime (lowest effective dose) | Take at bedtime. Monitor for side effects. Discuss with your doctor. |
Quinine Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $35 |
| From Canada | $19 |
