Qualaquin (Quinine Sulfate Capsules) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Qualaquin

Travel Medicine »

Why should travelers see a physician before they leave on a trip?

Travelers should see a physician before leaving for a trip if

they are going to developing countries,
they are visiting sites that are not on the usual tourist routes or traveling to high altitudes,
they have chronic diseases that could be affected by travel,
they are visiting countries that require vaccinations before they allow travelers to enter the country.

The goal of a pre-travel medical evaluation is to help travelers protect themselves against (1) common diseases that may be mild but that will disrupt their trip, and (2) less common diseases that may be serious or even fatal. All travelers need to be up to date on routine vaccines they would normally get if they were not traveling. For example, an annual influenza vaccination (flu shot) is recommended if traveling during influenza season. Travelers should also be up to date on te...

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QUALAQUIN®
(quinine sulfate) Capsules, USP for Oral Use

WARNING

QUALAQUIN® (quinine sulfate capsules) use for the treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps may result in serious and life-threatening hematologic reactions, including thrombocytopenia and hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (HUS/TTP). Chronic renal impairment associated with the development of TTP has been reported. The risk associated with QUALAQUIN (quinine sulfate capsules) use in the absence of evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps outweighs any potential benefit (see WARNINGS).

DRUG DESCRIPTION

QUALAQUIN (quinine sulfate) is a cinchona alkaloid chemically described as cinchonan-9-ol, 6'-methoxy-, (8α, 9R)-, sulfate (2:1) (salt), dihydrate with a molecular formula of (C₂₀H₂₄N₂O₂)₂•H₂SO₄•2H₂O and a molecular weight of 782.96.

The structural formula of quinine sulfate is:

QUALAQUIN®
(quinine sulfate) Structural Formula Illustration

Quinine sulfate occurs as a white, crystalline powder that darkens on exposure to light. It is odorless and has a persistent very bitter taste. It is only slightly soluble in water, alcohol, chloroform, and ether.

QUALAQUIN (quinine sulfate capsules) is supplied for oral administration as capsules containing 324 mg of the active ingredient quinine sulfate USP, equivalent to 269 mg free base. Inactive ingredients: corn starch, magnesium stearate, and talc.

What are the possible side effects of quinine (Qualaquin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using quinine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, chills, confusion, weakness;
severe vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
problems with vision or hearing;
trouble breathing;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
chest pain;
fast, pounding, or...

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What are the precautions when taking quinine sulfate capsules (Qualaquin)?

Before taking quinine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to quinidine or mefloquine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: previous serious side effects with quinine (such as blood problems), family/personal history of a certain enzyme problem (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency-G6PD), a certain eye nerve problem (optic neuritis), hearing problems (such as ringing in the ears), a certain nerve/muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), heart rhythm problems (such as atrial fibrillation/flutter), kidney problems,...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 7/13/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.