Quinine Sulfate Information

Quinine sulfate is used to treat malaria. Malaria is an infection in your red blood cells caused by the parasite plasmodium falciparum. Quinine sulfate kills the parasite. Quinine sulfate should not be used for the treatment of leg cramps. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning that it has not been found to be effective for that use and there is a potential of serious side effects.

Dosage

• The dosage of quinine sulfate is determined by your medical condition, the level of your kidney function and your individual response to treatment. It is important that you take the exact dosage your doctor has prescribed at the appropriate intervals. The medication should be taken until completely finished in order to be effective. Stopping may cause the parasite to proliferate, which may make it more resistant.

Side Effects

• Side effects may include headache, nausea, flushing, unusual sweating, ringing in your ears, dizziness, blurred vision, hearing difficulties and temporary changes in your color vision. You may experience symptoms of low blood sugar as a result of this medication. These include shakiness, confusion, sweating and hunger. If this occurs you should eat a snack or drink fruit juice, and notify your doctor.

Serious Side Effects

• Although rare, serious side effects may include extreme fatigue, high fever, joint and muscle aches, swollen glands, a butterfly-shaped rash on your face, easy bruising and bleeding, persistent sore throat, severe chills, brown urine, rapid breathing or pale skin, nails and lips. In addition, signs of a serious liver problem may occur, including nausea and vomiting, severe weakness, abdominal pain, jaundice and decreased urine. If any of these side effects occur you should contact your doctor immediately. If you experience chest pain, fainting, irregular heartbeat or severe dizziness you should also seek immediate medical care.

Allergy/Interactions

• An allergic reaction to quinine sulfate is rare, however you should receive immediate medical assistance if you experience itching, rash, severe dizziness, swelling and difficulty breathing. Serious drug interactions can occur with certain medications. You should not take it if you are taking disopyramide, quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, propafenone, flecainide, sotalol, droperidol, ibutilide, bepridil, dofetilide, ziprasidone, cisapride, arbutamine, astemizole, pimozide, halofantrine, penicillamine or mefloquine. Before you take quinine sulfate you should inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Precautions

• Before taking quinine sulfate, inform your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, liver or kidney problems or a family history of favism or G6PD deficiency (an abnormality of a red blood cell enzyme that can suddenly destroy red blood cells). Quinine sulfate can cause dizziness, therefore you should use caution when driving or operating machinery. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided. Inform your doctor or dentist if you are taking quinine sulfate before you have any surgery. Pregnant women must not use this drug. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.