Quinine Capsules

What is this medication?

QUININE (KWYE nine) treats malaria. It works by killing the parasite that causes malaria. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria or viruses.

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 heartbeat
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Muscle weakness or disease
• Vision or hearing problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to quinine, quinidine, mefloquine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it with food. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the capsule whole. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Take antacids, vitamins, or other products that contain aluminum or magnesium 2 hours before or after this medication.

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 care team about the use of this medication 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 medication with any of the following:

• Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole
• Certain medications for irregular heart rhythm, such as dofetilide, dronedarone, quinidine
• Cisapride
• Eliglustat
• Flibanserin
• Levoketoconazole
• Mefloquine
• Pimozide
• Saquinavir
• Terfenadine
• Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Acetazolamide
• Antacids
• Astemizole
• Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, tetracycline, troleandomycin, rifampin
• Certain medications for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin
• Certain medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as warfarin
• Certain medications that treat seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• Cimetidine
• Desipramine
• Digoxin
• Ritonavir
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Theophylline or aminophylline
• Tonic water that contains quinine

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 care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Contact your care team if your fever comes back after you finish this medication.

This medication can cause decreases in blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include chills, cool, pale skin or cold sweats, drowsiness, extreme hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness or anxiety, shakiness, trembling, unsteadiness, tiredness, or weakness. Contact your care team right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

Tell your care team that you are taking this medication 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 care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Flushing, diarrhea, vomiting, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, headache, confusion
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Hemolytic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
• Stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, pale skin, unusual weakness or fatigue, decrease in the amount of urine, which may be signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome
• TTP—purple spots on the skin or inside the mouth, pale skin, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue, fever, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, change in vision, trouble speaking, trouble walking
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

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

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

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 and pets.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.