Quinine is used to treat malaria. It may also be used to treat night-time leg cramps and a parasitic infection called babesiosis.
Take Quinine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken with food or immediately after a meal to minimise stomach discomfort.
Take Quinine at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- eye problems e.g. nerve inflammation
- ear or hearing problems e.g. tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- history of blackwater fever
- myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- haemoglobinuria (a presence of blood in the urine)
as Quinine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- heart disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are taking Quinine, you will need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Quinine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, confusion and problems in breathing.
Less commonly, Quinine may cause a syndrome known as "cinchonism" which may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience the following symptoms: vomiting or diarrhoea, rashes, severe itch with skin flushing, dizziness, fever, breathlessness, ringing in the ears, problems with your eyesight, headache that does not go away, irregular heartbeat or chest discomfort.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to neutralise gastric acid e.g. cimetidine
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin, amiodarone
- other medicines to treat malaria e.g. halofantrine, mefloquine
- medicines for TB e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. thioridazine, pimozide
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- medicines for cold or allergy e.g. terfenadine
- medicines for hyperuricemia and gout e.g. suxamethonium
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Quinine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.