Quinine sulfate 300 mg tablets About
Description :
Quinine sulfate 300 mg tablets are prescribed to treat uncomplicated
Plasmodium falciparum malaria and to manage frequent, painful nocturnal (night-time) leg cramps. The drug works by increasing the refractory period of skeletal muscles and disrupting the nucleic acid synthesis of malaria parasites.
Quinine sulfate is an antimalarial medication primarily used to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. It works by killing the parasite or preventing it from multiplying within red blood cells. It is only available via prescription and must be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare professional.
Uses
- Malaria: Treats acute, uncomplicated cases of P. falciparum malaria.
- Not Approved Use: Quinine sulfate is not FDA-approved to treat or prevent nocturnal leg cramps.
Known collectively as "cinchonism," mild side effects often occur at normal doses:
- Auditory: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and impaired hearing.
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
- Neurological: Dizziness, headache, and mild confusion.
- Visual: Blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
You should contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Blood disorders: Easy bruising, nosebleeds, blood in urine/stool, or pinpoint red spots.
- Heart issues: Fast or irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or fainting.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar causing severe weakness, sweating, and confusion.
- Allergic reactions: Hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Serious skin reactions: Blistering, peeling, sores, or severe rash.
- Leg Cramps Risk: Using quinine for leg cramps carries severe risks, including life-threatening blood disorders like thrombocytopenia and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS/TTP).
- Heart Rhythm (QT Prolongation): Quinine can cause abnormal heart rhythms. It must be avoided if you have a history of prolonged QT interval or certain heart conditions.
- Contraindications: Do not take quinine if you have myasthenia gravis, optic neuritis, or if you have suffered blood or kidney problems from quinine or quinidine in the past.