Quinine

Quinine sulfate is used to treat malaria but also commonly used to treat and prevent night cramps in adults and the elderly when sleep is regularly disrupted, a condition referred to as nocturnal leg cramps.

Adults (including elderly) dosing for leg cramps is typically suggested at Quinine 200mg at bedtime. The maximum dose is Quinine 300mg. Young children and those under ten years are not recommended to use this medication.

A reduction in frequency of leg cramps often takes up to four weeks to become apparent to the patient. Patients are to be monitored closely throughout the first stages of treatment of Quinine for side effects. Once an initial trial of four weeks is completed, treatment should be stopped if there is no therapeutic benefit. Treatment should be interrupted at approximately three month intervals to reevaluate the use of the treatment of Quinine for leg cramps.

Information about Quinine

Quinine is a medication derived from the bark of the cinchona tree and has been used for centuries to treat malaria. It is an alkaloid that works by disrupting the growth and reproduction of the malaria parasite inside the red blood cells. While quinine is still used for treating malaria, it is now generally prescribed when other antimalarial medications are not effective or available. It is available in both oral and injectable forms. 

Product Highlights

• Quinine is primarily used to treat malaria caused by the Plasmodium parasite, particularly for severe cases or in areas where resistance to other antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine, has developed.
• Although this is an off-label use, quinine has historically been prescribed to treat nocturnal leg cramps, which are painful muscle spasms that occur at night.

Key Ingredient

• Quinine

Key Benefits

• Quinine is a potent antimalarial agent used to treat and manage malaria, particularly in resistant cases.
• In some cases, quinine has been shown to provide relief from nocturnal leg cramps.
• Quinine has a long history of effectiveness in treating malaria and is a key medication in managing severe forms of the disease, especially in areas where drug resistance is common.

Direction of Use

• Quinine is available in oral tablet form or as an intravenous (IV) solution.
• The typical dose for malaria treatment varies based on the severity of the condition but is usually taken every 8 hours for several days, depending on the specific treatment regimen. For nocturnal leg cramps, a lower dose may be prescribed, but this is off-label.
• Quinine is administered intravenously in a hospital setting for severe malaria, usually in a controlled, monitored environment.
• It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosing schedule closely, especially in the case of malaria, to ensure proper treatment and to avoid drug resistance.

Safety Concerns

• Quinine can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, headache, sweating, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). In some cases, it may cause more serious side effects like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), visual disturbances, and severe allergic reactions.
• This refers to a set of symptoms caused by quinine toxicity, including headache, tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, and nausea. It is important to monitor for signs of toxicity during treatment.
• Quinine can cause cardiac arrhythmias or other heart-related issues, so it should be used cautiously in patients with existing heart conditions.
• Quinine may need dose adjustments in patients with liver or kidney problems.
• Quinine can interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants (like warfarin), certain antibiotics, and other drugs that affect the heart’s rhythm. It is essential to inform the doctor about all the medications you are taking. 

Avoid Quinine If

• Quinine is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to potential risks to the fetus. It should only be used during pregnancy when absolutely necessary and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• People with arrhythmias, heart failure, or a history of heart disease should avoid quinine due to the risk of cardiac complications.
• Quinine may require dose adjustments in individuals with impaired kidney or liver function, and in severe cases, it should be avoided.
• Avoid quinine if you have a known allergy to quinine or related alkaloids, as this could result in severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
• People with a history of low blood sugar or taking medications that lower blood sugar should avoid quinine due to its potential to cause hypoglycemia.