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Quinine Oral Capsule (QUININE SULFATE (ANTIMALARIAL) - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • malaria
  • infections caused by parasites

Brand Name(s): Qualaquin

Generic Name: Quinine

Instructions

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.

This medicine is usually combined with another medicine to treat your condition.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Space doses evenly to keep a steady amount of medicine in the body.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

Do not take any antacid with magnesium or aluminum for 2 hours before and 2 hours after taking this medicine.

Medicines that lower stomach acid (used to treat indigestion, heartburn or ulcers) may prevent this medicine from working properly.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 4 hours to the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen after 1-2 days of using this medicine.

This medicine may cause low blood sugar. Eat regular meals and exercise as instructed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of low blood sugar such as nausea, sweating, cold skin, fast heartbeat, hunger, and irritability.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • blurry vision
  • dizziness
  • ear problems (ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
  • feeling of heat or flushing
  • headaches
  • vision problems - changes in seeing color

If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.

  • decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • shallow, irregular breathing
  • confusion
  • hearing loss
  • seizures

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest pain
  • fainting
  • fever or chills
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
  • small red, purple or brown spots on the skin
  • shortness of breath
  • sore throat
  • dark urine
  • sudden change or loss of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.