Generic Name : QUININE
Pronunciation : (kwye' nine)
Trade Name(s) : Falciquin, Kunen, Pbquin, Qinarsol-300, QuiningA, Quin-S, Quinsil,
Rez-Q, Rubiquin, Uniquin-EC
Why it is prescribed: Quinine is used to prevent and treat
malaria and nighttime leg muscle cramps.
When it is to be taken: Quinine usually is taken three
times a day for three days for malaria attacks, twice a day for
six weeks to prevent or suppress malaria, and at bedtime for leg
cramps. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.
How it should be taken: Quinine comes in the form of capsules
and tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take
at each dose. Since quinine is very bitter, do not chew tablets
before swallowing them.
Special Instruction :
1. To prevent or suppress malaria effectively, quinine must be
taken regularly.
2. To help you remember your doses, take quinine at the same times
that you do other regular activities such as brushing your teeth
in the morning and eating dinner.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon
as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at
evenly spaced intervals. However, if you take only one dose per
day at bedtime, omit the missed dose completely. Do not take a
double dose.
Side Effects :
1. Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting. Take quinine with food or milk.
If these effects continue, contact your doctor.
2. Dizziness, headache, sweating, restlessness, confusion, apprehension.
If these effects persist or are severe, contact your doctor.
3. Allergic reaction: skin rash, itching, flushing, difficulty
breathing, swelling of the face, fever, ringing ears, vision problems,
and stomach distress. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor
at once.
4. Changes in color vision, blurred or double vision, blind spots,
night blindness, difficulty hearing, ringing ears, faintness,
easy bruising, unusual bleeding, sore throat, fast heartbeat,
chest pain. Contact your doctor immediately.
Other Precautions :
1. Before you take quinine, tell your doctor what prescription
and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially acetazolamide,
antacids, anticoagulants, cimetidine, digitoxin, digoxin, and
quinidine.
2. Do not take antacids that contain aluminum e.g., aluminum hydroxide
or sodium bicarbonate without consulitng your doctor.
3. Before you take quinine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant
or breast-feeding, ringing ears, eye problems, or a history of
blackwater fever.
4. If you become pregnant while taking quinine, contact your doctor
promptly.
5. If you ever had a bad reaction to quinine (or quinidine, a
medication for irregular heartbeat), tell your doctor. Also, avoid
tonic water and nonprescription cold preparations that contain
quinine.
6. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
that you take quinine.
7. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.
Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
3. If the tablets or capsules darken, throw them away and obtain
a new supply.