Quinine (quinine sulphate) is used alone or with other medications to treat malaria. Malaria is caused by mosquito bites from countries where mosquitos carrying the parasite Plasmodium falciparum are endemic.
Do not use Quinine to treat any medical condition other than malaria, and only as specified by a doctor. Specifically, note that the FDA withdrew the approval for use of quinine sulfate to treat nocturnal leg cramps owing to the increased risk of bleeding and heart rhythm disturbances.
Dosage
Only take Quinine as prescribed. The tablets can be halved or crushed if the dose does not require a whole tablet whole. The dose should be taken with food or milk.
The standard minimum dose for treating malaria is 10 mg per kilo of body weight three times per day for 7 days. This normally equates to 2 tablets (each delivers 300 mg) every eight hours for adults. For children under the age of 8, it would be one-quarter to one-half of a tablet three times a day, and from ages 9 to 14, one to 1.5 tablets three times daily. It is essential to follow the prescribing doctor’s specifications and finish the full course of treatment regardless of whether or not the symptoms have abated.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.Â
Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Most people who are taking Quinine do not experience any negative side effects. Doctors prescribe Quinine because they assess that the benefits that such treatment yields outweighs any likely unwanted effects.
Some of the side effects that have been reported include:
- headache
- blurred vision or changes in color vision
- sweating or flushing
- mild dizziness, or a spinning sensation
- tinnitis (ringing in the ears)
- diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Quinine is prescribed to treat people who are infected with malaria. It is not used as a preventative against infection from mosquito bites, but only once the infection has set in.
Up until 2010, Quinine could also be prescribed to treat nocturnal leg cramps, but this approval was withdrawn owing to the associated serious side effects.