Qualaquin (Quinine Sulfate Capsules) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 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...

Read the Travel Medicine article »

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Qualaquin Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quinine (Qualaquin)?

Quinine can cause serious or life-threatening side effects, and is approved for use only in treating malaria. Some people have used quinine to treat leg cramps, but this is not an FDA-approved use.

Quinine will not treat severe forms of malaria, and it should not be taken to prevent malaria. Quinine also should not be taken to treat or prevent night-time leg cramps.

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to quinine or similar medicines such as mefloquine (Lariam) or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute), or if you have:

a history of "Long QT syndrome";
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency;
myasthenia gravis; or
optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take quinine:

heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;
low potassium levels in your blood (hypokalemia); or
kidney or liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether quinine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may be more likely to occur in pregnant women who are taking quinine. Signs of low blood sugar include hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, and fast heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk for low blood sugar if you take quinine while you are pregnant.

Quinine may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 16 years old.

How should I take quinine (Qualaquin)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take quinine with food to lessen stomach upset.

Call your doctor if your malaria symptoms do not improve after 2 days of taking quinine, or if your symptoms return after you have finished the medication.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before your condition is completely treated. If you stop using the medication early for any reason, talk to your doctor about other forms of malaria prevention.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using quinine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using quinine.

No medication is 100% effective in treating malaria. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during your treatment.

Store quinine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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