Quinine tablets or capsules

What is this medication?

QUININE (KWYE nine) is an antimalarial agent. It is used to treat malaria. Quinine should not be used to prevent leg cramps.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Qualaquin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•diabetes

•glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

•heart problems, irregular heartbeats

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•muscle weakness or disease

•vision or hearing problems

•an unusual or allergic reaction to quinine, quinidine, mefloquine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. Take with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•cisapride

•cholinesterase inhibitors like edrophonium, neostigmine, physostigmine, and pyridostigmine

•erythromycin, troleandomycin

•flecainide

•other antimalarial drugs like mefloquine, halofantrine

•pimozide

•quinidine

•rifampin

•some medicines for irregular heart rhythm

•some medicines used during surgery

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•acetazolamide

•antacids

•atorvastatin

•cimetidine

•desipramine

•digoxin

•heparin

•ketoconazole

•lovastatin

•simvastatin

•sodium bicarbonate

•some antibiotics

•some medicines to treat seizures

•tonic water that contains quinine

•warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Let your doctor know if your symptoms do not improve or if you feel worse. Contact your doctor right away if your fevers come back after you finish this medicine.

Some people may have low blood sugar while taking this medicine. Low blood sugar can make you feel lightheaded, dizzy, sweaty, confused, shaky, anxious, or weak. If you feel this way drink some fruit juice or have a snack then call your doctor. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar as directed.

Avoid antacids with aluminum or magnesium for 2 hours before and after taking a dose of this medicine.

Tell your health care provider that you are taking this medicine before you have any surgery, procedure, or dental work.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•change in vision

•difficulty breathing

•fainting

•fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain

•hearing loss or ringing

•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

•seizure

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusual red or purple spots on the skin

•unusually weak

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•flushing

•diarrhea

•headache

•stomach upset, vomiting

•sweating

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 25 and 30 degrees C (77 and 86 degrees F). Keep in a tightly closed container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.