General Information and Indications:
Quinine is used to prevent and treat malaria.
Information For Users:
Quinine comes in capsules and tablets to take by mouth.
It is usually taken three times a day (every 8 hours) for 3 days for malaria
attacks, twice a day for 6 weeks to prevent or suppress malaria, and at
bedtime for leg cramps. Follow the directions on your prescription label,
ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take quinine
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your health care provider.
Since quinine is very bitter, do not chew tablets before swallowing them.
Other uses for this medicine
Quinine is also used to treat nighttime leg muscle cramps. Talk to your
doctor about the possible risks of using this medication.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to quinine, quinidine, or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially acetazolamide, antacids,
anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), cimetidine (Tagamet),
digitoxin, digoxin (Lanoxin), quinidine, and vitamins. Do not take antacids
that contain aluminum (e.g., aluminum hydroxide) or sodium bicarbonate
without informing your doctor. Also, avoid tonic water and nonprescription
cold preparations that contain quinine.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding G-6-PD deficiency (an
inherited blood disease), ringing ears, eye problems, or blackwater fever.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking quinine, call your
doctor without delay.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking quinine.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Though adverse effects of quinine are not
common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o stomach pain
o vomiting
o stomach upset
o dizziness
o headache
o sweating
o restlessness
o confusion
o apprehension
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o skin rash
o difficulty breathing
o swelling of the face
o fever
o vision problems or changes
o difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears
o faintness
o easy bruising
o unusual bleeding
o sore throat
o fast heartbeat
o chest pain
Brand Name(s):
o Quinamm®
o Quiphile® |
