Quinine
Brand: Quinimax / Quinine sulfate (generic)
Antimalarial
Cinchona alkaloid
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 11 hours |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Oral bioavailability good; hepatic metabolism with active metabolites. Narrow therapeutic window; monitor for cinchonism and hypoglycaemia, especially in severe malaria. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Severe
Adverse Effects:
Cinchonism (tinnitus, headache, nausea, visual disturbance), hypoglycaemia, hypotension (IV), QT prolongation, hemolysis in G6PD deficiency, rare thrombocytopenia.
Contraindications:
History of quinine-induced thrombocytopenia or hypersensitivity; idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura related to quinine.
Precautions:
Use cautiously in cardiac disease or concurrent QT-prolonging drugs; monitor blood glucose in severe malaria; avoid unnecessary off-label use (e.g. leg cramps).