Drugs >  Quinine
Quinine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(KWYE nine)

Brand Names
Formula Q®

Therapeutic Categories
Antimalarial Agent

Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to quinine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Black water fever, G6PD deficiency, inflammation of a nerve in the eye, or ringing in the ears.
  • If you have a low platelet count because of previous quinine or quinidine use.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

  • What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat leg cramps.
  • This medicine is used to treat malaria.

  • How does it work?
  • Quinine prevents malaria from reproducing.
  • If used for leg cramps, quinine calms the muscle.

  • How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with food to prevent upset stomach.
  • Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

  • What do I do if I miss a dose?

    Malaria:

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Leg muscle cramps:

  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 24 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.

  • What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have a fast heartbeat or are taking medicines to control your heartbeat, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have myasthenia gravis, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid foods or drinks that contain quinine, such as tonic water.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

  • What are the common side effects of this medicine?
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Change in color of urine to black or brown.

  • What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

  • Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Ringing in ears.
  • Pinpoint red spots on skin.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Sudden change in vision or in the way you see color.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

  • How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

  • General statements
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

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