Drugs & Vitamins

Quinine Active Ingredients: Quinine Representative Names: Quinamm, Quiphile Available Product Images: What are quinine tablets or capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with quinine? What side effects may I notice from taking quinine? What should I watch for while taking quinine? Where can I keep my medicine? What are quinine tablets or capsules? (Back to top) QUININE (Quinamm®) is an antimalarial agent. It is used with other antimalarial medicines to prevent or treat attacks of malaria. Quinine alone cannot attack all stages of the malarial parasite. Generic quinine tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •blackwater fever •blood disorders •eye problems •heart problems •glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency •low blood sugar •muscle weakness or disease •ringing in the ears •an unusual or allergic reaction to quinine, quinidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take quinine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew quinine tablets, they are very bitter and can irritate the mouth and throat. If quinine upsets your stomach take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with quinine? (Back to top) •acetazolamide •amantadine •antacids •astemizole •cimetidine •cisapride •cyclosporine •doxercalciferol •ketoconazole •heart medicines •medicines to reduce blood pressure •medicines to treat seizures •mefloquine or other antimalarial drugs •metformin •methazolamide •rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine •sodium bicarbonate •terfenadine •tonic water (contains quinine) •warfarin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking quinine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •breathing difficulty, wheezing •dark urine •double vision, blind spot, night blindness or other eye problems •fainting spells •fever or chills, sore throat •headache, confusion •hearing loss •increased sensitivity of the eyes to light •irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain •loss of appetite •ringing in the ears •skin rash or redness, itching •unusual bleeding or bruising •unusual weakness or tiredness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •stomach pain or cramps •diarrhea •nausea, vomiting What should I watch for while taking quinine? (Back to top) Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days. Quinine can affect your eyesight; until you know how it affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything for which you need to see well. Check with your pharmacist before you visit a new area where there are malaria-carrying mosquitoes. You may need to take a different antimalarial medicine. While in areas where malaria is common, certain steps can be taken to prevent being bit by mosquitos. They include: 1) Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms to reduce human-mosquito contact. 2) Sleep under mosquito netting, preferably one with pyrethrum-containing insecticide. 3) Wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses and long trousers to protect arms and legs. 4) Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET to uncovered areas of skin. 5) Use a pyrethrum-containing flying insect spray to kill mosquitos. Inform your health care provider if you are taking quinine prior to any planned surgery, procedure, or dental work. Quinine may interact with some of the medicines used during a surgery or procedure. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light, moisture and excessive heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/31/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.