Description
QUALAQUIN is a prescription medication that is used to treat malaria (a disease caused by parasites). Malaria is caused by parasites that usually enter the body through a mosquito bite. This condition is most common in Africa, South America, and Southern Asia. Do not use QUALAQUIN for other medical conditions unless your healthcare professional has advised you to. The content in this medication can cause serious side effects or even death if used out of its intended use.
Note: No medication is 100% effective in treating malaria. For best results, use QUALAQUIN as directed by your healthcare professional.
Qualaquin uses and indications:
Qualaquin is prescribed for malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, specifically when there's documented resistance to chloroquine (another antimalarial drug) in the geographical area where the malaria was contracted.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C20H24N2O2 · H2SO4 |
License |
FDA approved |
Bioavailability |
~76-88% |
Legal status |
Prescription only (Rx) |
Chemical Name |
Quinine Sulfate |
Elimination half-life |
11 hours |
Dosage (Strength) |
Tablets: 324 mg |
Pregnancy advice |
Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the risks. Contraindicated in pregnancy for the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps. |
Brands |
Qualaquin |
Protein binding |
70-95% |
PubChem CID |
3034034 |
MedlinePlus |
a682322 |
ChEBI |
CHEBI:15854 |
ATC code |
M09AA01 |
DrugBank |
DB00468 |
KEGG |
D08460 |
Routes of administration |
Oral |
Directions
QUALAQUIN should be taken as it is prescribed by your healthcare professional. Each patient may require different dosages according to their condition. Do not take this medication in excessive amounts, or longer than recommended. Closely follow the directions on your prescription label. It is recommended to take QUALAQUIN with food to lessen the chances of upsetting your stomach.
Contact your healthcare professional if the symptoms of malaria do not improve after 2 days of taking QUALAQUIN, or if your symptoms reoccur after you have finished the medication.
QUALAQUIN (Quinine) may be used to treat conditions as determined by your doctor
Take QUALAQUIN for the full prescribed length of time. The symptoms may improve prior to the condition completely being treated. If you stop using the medication for any reason, talk to your healthcare professional about other treatment options.
Cautions
Before taking QUALAQUIN, inform your healthcare professional of:
- any allergic reaction to chemicals contained in the medication (quinine sulfate, quinidine or mefloquine)
- any additional allergies
- your medical history, especially of previous serious side effects with quinine
- family/personal history of a certain enzyme problem
- an eye nerve problem (optic neuritis)
- hearing problems (ringing in the ears)
- any nerve/muscle disease
- heart rhythm problems
- liver problems
- kidney problems
- all the products you use, including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products
QUALAQUIN is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can harm an unborn baby. Consult your healthcare professional for more information. Additionally, this drug is unlikely to harm some nursing infants. Consult your healthcare professional as they may want to conduct tests on your infant for an enzyme deficiency before they approve breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using QUALAQUIN. You may need to stop using the medication for a short period of time. This medication can cause patients to have unusual results with some medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using QUALAQUIN.
Side Effects
All medications have side effects; however they affect every individual differently. Side effects information is listed below for reference. Most of this information will be included with your medication.
Common side effects of quinine include:
- nausea
- blurred vision
- headache
- ringing in the ears
QUALAQUIN may cause your blood cell count to drop which can result in serious bleeding issues. Some patients may also experience serious kidney problems, may cause problems with heart rhythm that can lead to death and/or may cause serious allergic reactions (including hives, difficulty with breathing & swelling).
Stop using QUALAQUIN and contact your healthcare professional instantly if you experience:
- fever and/or chills
- confusion
- weakness
- severe vomiting or stomach pain
- diarrhea
- problems with vision or hearing
- urinating less than usual or not at all
- chest pain (fast, pounding heartbeat)
These are not a list of all the side effects of QUALAQUIN. If you experience any abnormal reactions that are not listed above, consult your doctor. If any of the listed side effects bother patients for an extended time period, call your healthcare professional. These side effects could be controlled by simply adjusting the dose of QUALAQUIN. Do not suddenly quit taking this medication unless your healthcare professional advises you to.
Frequently Asked Questions about Qualaquin(Quinine Sulfate)
What does Qualaquin tablet do?
Qualaquin helps treat simple malaria caused by parasites, but not severe cases. It's not for preventing malaria. Some people use it for leg cramps, but the FDA hasn't approved it for that.
Is Quinine bad for you?
Quinine can cause serious side effects like fever, body aches, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, coughing blood, vision or hearing issues, severe pain in the side or lower back, blood in urine, low blood sugar, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of skin or eyes, and severe skin reaction.
Who shouldn't take Quinine?
If you have heart, liver, or kidney issues, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, a history of addiction, low platelet levels, certain enzyme deficiencies, or had bad reactions to certain medicines, avoid taking quinine.
Can you buy Quinine sulfate without a prescription?
No, you need a prescription to buy Quinine sulfate in the United States.
What's the most Quinine sulfate you can take in a day?
For treating malaria, the usual adult dose is 648 mg every 8 hours for 7 days. For leg cramps, it's typically 200-300 mg at bedtime.
Is it safe to drink tonic water with Quinine?
Yes, drinking tonic water with quinine is generally safe. But remember, the amount of quinine in tonic water used for drinks is much less than the medicinal dose.
How does Quinine help with leg cramps?
Quinine affects how muscles contract and relax, which can reduce how often and how bad muscle cramps are.
Does Quinine hurt your liver?
Quinine can cause serious liver issues. Signs of liver problems include nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 1767