Quinine Sulfate, Oral
What are other names for this medicine?
Generic and brand names: quinine sulfate, oral
What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat malaria. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider. Do not confuse this medicine (quinine) with quinidine. Quinidine is used to treat heart conditions.
How do I take it?
Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval. Taking too much of this medicine may cause side effects.
Take this medicine with or after meals to lessen stomach upset, unless your health care provider tells you otherwise. If you take the medicine at bedtime, eat a snack or drink a glass of milk or juice.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.
What should I watch out for?
If these symptoms occur, stop taking the medicine and contact your health care provider right away:
- ringing in your ears
- changes in your hearing
- headache
- flushing
- itching
- rash
- fever
- stomach pain
- trouble breathing
- vision problems.
This medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or other changes in your vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, contact your health care provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.
What are the possible side effects?
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Blurred vision, flushing, itching, rash, fever, stomach pain, trouble breathing, ringing in your ears, hearing loss, vision changes, severe headache, severe dizziness, fever.
Other: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, confusion.
What products might interact with this medicine?
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:
- acetazolamide (Diamox, AK-Zol) and sodium bicarbonate
- antacids (take them at least 2 hours apart from this medicine)
- blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- digoxin (Lanoxin)
- mefloquine (Lariam)
- rifabutin (Mycobutin)
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane).
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
