Quinine
Apo-Quinine®; Novo-Quinine; Quinine-Odan™
Quinine
(KWYE nine)Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Quinine®; Novo-Quinine; Quinine-Odan™Pharmacologic Category
Antimalarial AgentReasons 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 stomach upset.
- Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
- 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 some possible side effects of this medicine?
- Belly pain.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free 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?
- Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
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 light.
- Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
- If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
- 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.
Brand Names: