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Long-Term Effects of Quinine

Doctors use quinine sulfate to treat malaria and muscle cramps, as well as using it in conjunction with other medications, such as tetracyclines. Some contra-indications to the use of quinine exist, such as existing heart or blood disorders, or tinnitus. Potential users need to differentiate between long-term side effects of this drug, and an allergy. An allergic reaction usually appears soon after commencing the medication, and is likely to be acute and potentially serious.

  1. Cinchonism

    • The term "cinchonism," or excessive amounts of quinine, entails a number of symptoms, including headache, tinnitus, nausea, vasodilation and vertigo. More severe symptoms of cinchonism include more severe vision disturbance, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even deafness and blindness if medical intervention does not occur. The side effects usually end if the patient stops taking the medication, though you should always consult with your doctor first.

    Dermatological Symptoms

    • Long-term use of quinine can cause skin reactions, including pruritis (itching) and photosensitivity (sensitivity to light). Rashes and vasculitis may also appear, and some sensitive patients exhibit extreme flushing of the skin.

    Cardiological and Respiratory Symptoms

    • Long-term use of quinine may result in arrhythmia and other heart problems, and the patient may complain of angina-type symptoms. A person with an existing heart condition needs additional care before receiving quinine. Shortness of breath may also manifest as a side effect of quinine. Asthma has appeared in rare cases.

    Other Symptoms

    • Long-term usage of quinine can affect almost all of your body's systems. Anemia-type blood disorders may appear. Quinine may enhance the effects of anti-coagulant medication. People taking quinine may also suffer kidney problems, including acute haemolytic anemia with acute renal failure in rare cases. This may occur after even small doses of quinine. However, the condition usually reverses when the patient stops taking the drug.

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