Quinine is a drug used to treat malaria. Malaria is a disease caused by infection Plasmodium transmitted through mosquito bites Anopheles. Quinine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Quinine works by killing Plasmodium residing in red blood cells. Quinine is often used with other antimalarial drugs, such as primaquine. Keep in mind, this drug is not used to prevent malaria.
quinine trademark: Quinine Tablets, Quinine, Quinine Dihydrochloride, Quinine Sulfate
What is China
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antimalarial |
| Benefit | Treating malaria |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Quinine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Quinine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and injections |
Precautions Before Using Quinine
Quinine should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using quinine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Quinine should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Do not smoke while on treatment with quinine, as this may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
- Do not drink alcohol, drive, or engage in activities that require alertness while you are taking quinine, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had myasthenia gravis, heart rhythm disorder, G6PD deficiency, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, optic neuritis, or hypokalemia.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking quinine before having any surgery or medical procedures, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, a more serious side effect, or an overdose after using quinine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Quinine
The dose of quinine is determined by the doctor based on the age and condition of the patient. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Falciparum malaria in adults
Injectable form via intravenous infusion:
- The initial dose is 20 mg/kg, for 4 hours. The maximum dose is 1,400 mg.
- The maintenance dose is 10 mg/kg, started 8 hours after the initial dose, given every 4 hours every 8 hours. The maximum dose is 700 mg.
Tablet form:
- As sulfate, 600 mg every 8 hours, for 7 days.
Condition: Falciparum malaria in children
Injectable form via intravenous infusion:
- Given at a dose of not more than 5 mg/kgBW per hour, given slowly.
Tablet form:
- As sulfate, 10 mg/kg every 8 hours, for 7 days.
How to Use Quinine Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and always read the information listed on the drug packaging label when using quinine in tablet form.
Keep in mind, injectable quinine can only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
If you are receiving treatment at home, take quinine at the same time each day and at the prescribed dose. Swallow quinine tablets with the help of water. Consume quinine after meals.
If you forget to take quinine tablets, take this medicine immediately if the gap between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Do not stop taking quinine without consulting your doctor first, even if you feel better. This is to prevent the possibility of parasites growing back.
Generally, after consuming quinine within a few days, people with malaria will feel better. If you feel there is no improvement or the complaint is getting worse, go to the doctor immediately.
Give a gap of at least 2 hours before you take antacid drugs. This is because antacids can inhibit the absorption of quinine.
Store quinine at room temperature, place in a closed container in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Quinine Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of quinine together with certain drugs can cause several interaction effects, including:
- Increased risk of arrhythmias when used with halofantrine amiodarone, astemizole, cisapride, moxifloxacine, or terfenadine
- Increases risk of seizures when used with mefloquine
- Increases risk of rhabdomyolysis and myopathy when used with atorvastatin
- Decreases the body's ability to absorb quinine when used with antacids
- Increase the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs to lower blood sugar levels
- Decreases kidney's ability to clear amantadine
- Lowers blood levels of quinine when used with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampicin
- Increases blood levels of quinine when used with ritonavir
- Lowering the level of ciclosporin in the blood
- Increases digoxin levels in the blood
Side Effects and Dangers of Quinine
There are several side effects that can occur after using quinine, namely:
- Headache
- Red face
- Excessive sweating
- Nauseous
- Ears ringing
- Decreased hearing
- Dizzy
- Blurred vision
Consult a doctor if the above complaints do not subside. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience any of the more serious side effects listed below:
- Abnormal bleeding, such as easy bruising
- Signs and symptoms of infection appear, such as fever, chills, and sore throat
- Hemolytic anemia, which can be characterized by unusual pallor or tiredness
- Liver disorders, which can be characterized by jaundice
- Kidney disorders, which can be characterized by a decrease in the frequency and amount of urine that comes out