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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quinine (Qualaquin)?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to quinine or similar medicines such as mefloquine (Lariam) or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, Quin-G), or if you have:

• a heart rhythm disorder called Long QT syndrome;
• an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency;
• a blood clotting disorder;
• myasthenia gravis; or
• optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve).

To make sure you can safely take quinine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;
• low potassium levels in your blood (hypokalemia); or
• kidney or liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether quinine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication..

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may be more likely to occur in pregnant women who are taking quinine. Signs of low blood sugar include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk for low blood sugar if you take quinine while you are pregnant.

Quinine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 16 years old.

How should I take quinine (Qualaquin)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take with food if quinine upsets your stomach.

Quinine is usually taken for 7 days. Call your doctor if your malaria symptoms do not improve after 2 days of taking quinine, or if your symptoms return after you have finished the medication. Talk with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during your treatment.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before your condition is completely cleared. If you stop using the medication early for any reason, talk to your doctor about other forms of malaria prevention.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using quinine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using quinine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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