Information On Quinine

Used for treating the effects of malaria, quinine is a Food and Drug Administration-approved prescription drug which, if used improperly, may result in death. The FDA has approved the drug for use only in cases of uncomplicated malaria.

Side Effects

• If taken inappropriately, quinine can produce serious side effects, including severe vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain and hearing or vision loss. Do not use the medication if you have had an allergic reaction to similar medicines, including quinidine and mefloquine. Certain medical conditions will also preclude you from using quinine, including myasthenia gravis and optic neuritis.

Dosage

• Quinine comes in capsule form and is commonly prescribed to be taken orally three times a day for three to seven days. Taking quinine with food at the same time each day is key to the drug's effectiveness. Patients using quinine should begin to feel better within one to two days.

Alternative Use and Interactions

• Quinine is sometimes used to treat babesiosis, an illness contracted through tick bites. Several types of drugs may have negative interactions with quinine, including blood thinners, antibiotics and anti-depressants.