Prescription Quinine sulfate Drug Information

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease caused by various types of single-celled (protozoan) parasites known as Plasmodium. Plasmodium are carried by mosquitoes and injected into the bloodstream during a bite from an infected mosquito. Once in the blood, the parasites travel to the liver, where they multiply. The parasites are then released back into the bloodstream where they invade the red blood cells and multiply again. An actual attack of malaria develops when the red blood cells burst, releasing a mass of parasites into the bloodstream. The attacks do not begin until a sufficient number of blood cells have been infected with parasites. Quinine works by attacking the parasites once they have entered the red blood cells. It kills the parasites and prevents them from multiplying further. It is not fully understood how it kills the parasites. Quinine is used to treat falciparum malaria (the most serious kind, caused by a type of malaria parasite called Plasmodium falciparum). It is also used to treat malaria where the type of infecting organism is unknown or caused by mixed types of Plasmodium. It is not suitable for the prevention of malaria. Quinine is also sometimes used to treat recurrent night-time leg cramps, for instance in people with arthritis, diabetes or varicose veins. It is thought to prevent muscle cramps by reducing the sensitivity of muscle cells to stimuli that cause them to contract, as well as by prolonging the time it takes for the muscle to contract. It can take up to four weeks of taking quinine before an improvement in leg cramps is seen. If it hasn't helped after four weeks then it should be stopped. Qunine sulphate tablets can be taken with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. The dose prescribed and how often the medicine needs to be taken depends on the condition being treated. Follow the instructions given by your doctor. For the treatment of night-time leg cramps in adults the usual dose is one 200mg tablet at bedtime. For the treatment of malaria the dose varies depending on your age, size, severity of the infection and if you have any liver or kidney problems. It is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. Quinine can cause serious, irreversible side effects in overdose. You should tell your doctor if you experience hearing problems, ringing sensations in your ears (tinnitus), headaches, feeling sick, rash or disturbed vision while taking this medicine. These can be signs of quinine poisoning and your doctor may ask you to stop taking the medicine or reduce your dose. Quinine has several potential side effects that make it unsuitable for long-term use. It should not be taken to prevent malaria. Other antimalarials should be used to prevent malaria. If you are taking quinine for leg cramps your doctor will usually ask you to stop taking it for a trial period about every three months to make sure you still need to take it.