Quinine
Prescription neededMalaria medicines
Comes as:TabletDrip (infusion)
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. Used for malaria as tablets or by drip in hospital, usually for 7 days together with another medicine. Do not use for leg cramps.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- ringing in the ears
- headache
- nausea
- blurred vision
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- low blood sugar (sweating
- shaking
- confusion)
- irregular heartbeat
- unusual bleeding
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Heart rhythm problems
- G6PD deficiency (use with caution)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Optic neuritis or hearing problems
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious2 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Amiodarone
Both prolong the QT interval and can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
- Mefloquine
Together they raise the risk of seizures and dangerous heart rhythms.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Digoxin
Quinine raises digoxin levels; watch for nausea, slow pulse or vision changes.