Quinine Dihydrochloride 6%

Generic Name: Quinine dihydrochloride
Product Name: Quinine Dihydrochloride 6%

Indication

Malaria: indicated in combination with doxycycline, clindamycin, or sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum

Prevention and treatment of nocturnal (nightly) leg muscle cramps, including those associated with arthritis, diabetes, varicose veins, arteriosclerosis, and foot deformities.

Action

Quinine has a number of actions. It:

• Acts on muscle to diminish the action of a nerve transmitter and increasing the minimum time of muscle response to a stimuli. This reduces muscle spasms and relieves cramps.
• Acts on the malaria cycle, killing parasites in a particular phase

Dose advice

Adults

• Loading dose 20 mg/kg (max 1400 mg);
• Maintenance (start 8-12 hrs after loading): 10 mg/kg (max 700 mg), repeat every 8-12 hrs if necessary.

Children

• 10 mg/kg (max 0.5 mg/minute)

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

As with any other medication, quinine can cause a number of side effects. There is a only a small difference in terms of toxic and therapeutic levels of quinine in the blood, hence symptoms of excess quinine are not uncommon.

Minor side effects include:

• abdominal or stomach cramps or pain; diarrhea; nausea; vomiting
• headache
• tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Uncommon side effects

Less common side effects include:

• Nervous system effects: loss of hearing, visual disturbances such as blurred vision, disturbed colour perception, double vision, night blindness.
• Skin effects: rash, itch, flushing and swelling of skin
• Blood disorders (such as reduction in platelet numbers),unusual bleeding or bruising
• Hypoglycaemia (low sugar levels), characterized by anxiety, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, cold sweats; confusion; convulsions or coma
• Respiratory effects: worsening of asthma
• Effects on heart: may increase the likelihood of abnormal heart rhythms and chest pain

For further information talk to your doctor.