Quinine

(Quinine)

INTRODUCTION:

Rapidly acting blood schizonticide by interference with lysosomal function or nucleic acid synthesis in the plasmodia. No activity against exoeiythrocytic forms. In the skeletal muscle Quinine increases the refractory period and excitability of the myoneural junction.

INDICATIONS:

Resistant falciparum malaria, Symptomatic relief of muscle cramps, including nocturnal cramps.

DOSAGE:

Oral

Resistant Malaria

Adults 600 g three times daily for 7 days.

Children: 10 mg / kg /8 hourly for 7 days. Maximum Dose 2g/ day

Nocturnal leg cramps

Adults: 200-600 mg of quinine Sulphate every night. Discontinue after several cramp free nights.

INTRAVENOUS:

Resistant Falciparum malaria

Adults: 20-mgI kg IV infusion over 4 hrs repeated 8 hrly.

Maintenance: 10-mg’ kg infused over 4 hrs repeated 8 hrs.

Continue with oral medication, once clinically stable.

CONTRA INDICATIONS:

Pregnancy, Lactation tinnitus, Optic neuritis, Myasthenia gravis.

SPECIAL PRECAUTION:

Arterial fibrillation, Cinchonism , Haemoglobinuria, Renal or Hepatic impairment

ü      Pediatrics: Dose should be reduced.

ü      Pregnancy: May cause defects in the developing foetus.

ü      LactatIon: - Drug passes in to breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Cinchonism , Acute haemolytic anaemia, Tinnitus headache, Blurred vision , Vomiting diarrhoea abdominal pain, Vertigo.

COMPETITIVE BRANDS:

REZ-Q                        (SHREYA)

CINKONA                 (IPCA)

QST                             (MCW PHARMA)

PRESCRIBING DOCTORS:

MD (Medicine), MBBS