Quinine is the generic drug name that is used in the treatment of malaria. This generic drug quinine sulfate is sold in brand name Qualaquin. This is the only brand that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of malaria. This drug kills the parasite that causes malaria. The drug is available capsules of strength 324 mg. These capsules are available in bottles of 30, 100, 500, and 1000.
Recommendations
These oral capsules of Quinine are recommended for the treatment of malaria and not for the prevention of malaria. For treating malaria in adults the recommended dosage is two capsules per dose. Three doses with 8 hours in between are recommended. This treatment has to be continued for one week from the starting date.
Quinine capsules can be taken with or without food. If you are to take antacid with aluminum then it is advised to take it before one hour of taking Quinine or after 2 hours of taking Quinarsal. Do complete the full course of Quinine that is recommended to you by your doctor. Do not stop the course in between without consulting your doctor. If you skip a dose do wait for the time for the next dose if the time for the next dose is nearing.
Precautions
Do not use Quinarsal for preventing or treating leg cramps that are nocturnal. If you have used this medicine earlier in your life and have suffered bleeding, then you should not use Quinine. If you are taking other medicines like cisapride, astemizole, dofetilide, and terfenadine you should avoid taking Quinine. Reveal to your doctor any other medicines that you take for other treatments. If you are suffering from low blood sugar, depression, and other problems like heart disorders, eye pain, bleeding disorder, vision problems, and taking anticoagulants, and antibiotics, they should be revealed to your physician promptly before taking Quinarsal.
Some of the side effects of taking Quinine are dizziness, blurred vision, and lightheadedness. Do monitor whether your symptoms are getting worse. If so, contact your doctor immediately. Women who are pregnant or who are breast feeding should consult the doctor before they take Quinine.