Quinine Sulphate
About Quinine Sulphate
Quinine Sulphate is a suspension prescribed to treat malaria infections in children. This medicine works by targeting and destroying malaria parasites in the red blood cells, helping your child recover from the illness. It is primarily used for uncomplicated malaria when other standard treatments may not be suitable.
To ensure the infection is completely cleared, it is vital to give this medicine to your child exactly as prescribed by your doctor, without skipping any doses. Your doctor will determine how often and for how many days to give it, which usually involves a consistent daily schedule. You should give this medicine with food or milk to help protect your child's stomach and reduce nausea. Encouraging your child to rest in a cool, quiet room and giving them plenty of fluids will also support their recovery.
While taking Quinine Sulphate, some children may experience mild side effects, such as a mild headache, temporary ringing in the ears, or a slightly upset stomach. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if your child develops any serious symptoms, such as blurred vision, unusual bruising, a very fast heartbeat, or severe dizziness.
Before starting this treatment, always discuss your child's complete health history with their doctor, especially if they have a history of heart, kidney, or liver problems. Do not give this medicine if your child has G6PD deficiency (a specific enzyme disorder), a history of severe blood disorders like blackwater fever, or serious inflammation of the eye nerves.
This medicine can interact with other treatments, such as certain antacids or heart medicines, which may affect how well it works or increase side effects. While this is a pediatric suspension, if it is ever prescribed to older patients, it is critical to consult a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as special precautions are required.
Uses of Quinine Sulphate
Medicinal Benefits
Quinine Sulphate provides effective relief from the exhausting symptoms of malaria, helping your child recover their energy and strength by clearing the parasite from their body.
- Promotes recovery: By rapidly destroying malaria parasites, it helps bring down high fevers, relieves body aches, and reduces severe chills.
- Child-friendly formulation: The oral suspension form is easier to swallow than tablets, ensuring that young children can comfortably take their full required dose.
- Prevents complications: Correct and timely use of this medicine prevents the malaria infection from developing into more severe, life-threatening forms.
Directions for Use
- Quinine Sulphate can be given with food to help reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and duration of the medication.
- Shake well before use. Administer the advised dose to the child using the measuring cup/measuring spoon/dropper.
- Avoid using regular household spoons, as they may not measure the dose correctly.
Storage
Side Effects of Quinine Sulphate
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach, mild nausea, or vomiting
- Temporary ringing in the ears or mild hearing changes
- Headache
- Mild sweating or flushing
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, skin rash, or difficulty breathing
- Vision changes, including blurred vision, double vision, or altered colour perception
- Unusual bleeding, easy bruising, or dark, tea-coloured urine
- A fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
Drug Warnings
- Inspect before use: Always check the suspension before each dose. Do not use it if you notice clumping, discolouration, or any unusual changes in appearance.
- Watch for side effects: Monitor your child for symptoms such as headache, ringing in the ears, sweating, or nausea. Contact your doctor if these symptoms occur or become severe.
- Protect from sunlight: This medicine may increase your child's sensitivity to sunlight. Keep your child in the shade, dress them in protective clothing, and use a child-safe sunscreen when outdoors.
- Do not share the medicine: Never give Quinine Sulphate to another child, even if they have similar symptoms, as the correct dose must be determined by a doctor.
Drug Interactions
- Antacids: Giving antacids containing aluminum or magnesium at the same time can slow down the absorption of Quinine Sulphate.
- Heart rhythm medicines: Combining this medicine with drugs that affect the heart rhythm (such as certain antiarrhythmics) can significantly increase the risk of serious irregular heartbeats.
- Digoxin: This medicine may raise the levels of digoxin in the blood, which can lead to toxicity and require a doctor's monitoring.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
not applicable-
Pregnancy
not applicable-
Breast Feeding
not applicable-
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
cautionPatients with mild to moderate liver disease may still use Quinine Sulphate under careful supervision from a healthcare professional, but patients with severe liver disease should not take Quinine Sulphate because the drug's clearance is greatly reduced in these patients. Instead, alternative therapies should be explored in these situations.
Kidney
consult your doctorLimited data is available on the use of Quinine Sulphate in children with kidney disease. If your child has kidney impairment, inform your doctor before using Quinine Sulphate.
Children
safe if prescribedQuinine Sulphate is safe to use in children when a doctor prescribes it.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Give with fatty food or milk: Giving the medicine with a glass of whole milk, yogurt, or a small meal can help reduce stomach upset and improve absorption.
- Encourage hydration: Offer plenty of fluids, such as water, clear soups, or oral rehydration solutions, to prevent dehydration caused by fever or vomiting.
- Provide ample rest: Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep in a comfortable, quiet, and well-ventilated room to help their body heal.
- Prevent mosquito bites: Use insecticide-treated bed nets, window screens, and child-safe insect repellents to protect your recovering child from further mosquito bites.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor about taking Quinine Sulphate if your child is undergoing medical tests.
- Regular monitoring of heart function with ECG or EKG is necessary.
- Liver and kidney function tests are recommended to rule out any chances of kidney or liver impairment.
- Regularly, undergo eye tests while taking Quinine Sulphate. Ensure your child has regular blood tests and check-ups as advised by their doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites entering the body through mosquito bites. This is a common disease in countries like Africa, South America, and Southern Asia. This disease usually occurs when an Anopheles mosquito (infected with the parasite 'Plasmodium') bites a healthy individual and transfers the parasite into the bloodstream. Parasites that cause malaria include Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. malaria , and P. falciparum. Malaria symptoms usually start ten days to 4 weeks after the infection. They include chills, high fever, profuse sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, muscle pain, convulsions, coma, and bloody stools.
FAQs
Quinine Sulphate is used to treat malaria in children.
Quinine Sulphate belongs to the class of anti-malarial drugs containing Quinine Sulphate, which treats malaria by increasing the levels of hemozoin (a toxic substance to the malarial parasite) in the blood. As a result, it kills the parasite and helps to stop the infection from spreading further.
Yes, Quinine Sulphate can cause dizziness as a side effect in some children. It is better to make your child to have sleep for some time after giving Quinine Sulphate.
Yes, Quinine Sulphate is generally safe when used as prescribed by a doctor. However, it’s important to follow your doctor's instructions and report any side effects or concerns you may have while taking the medication.
The time it takes for malaria symptoms to show can vary, but generally, symptoms appear 7 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, in some cases, symptoms may not appear for several months after exposure. Consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms of malaria.
The common side effects of Quinine Sulphate that occur in some children are vomiting, fever, headache, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, problems with vision or hearing, nausea diarrhea, dark urine, and yellow skin/eyes. However, these side effects do not require any medical attention. If any of these side effects persist or worsen in your child, please consult your doctor.
Yes, you can mix the measured dose with a small amount of chocolate syrup, milk, or formula immediately before giving it to your child to help hide the bitter taste. Ensure your child consumes the entire mixture right away. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if your child continues to refuse the medicine.
If your child vomits within 30 minutes of taking a dose, consult your healthcare provider. They will tell you whether to give another dose or wait until the next scheduled time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific guidance.
Yes, paracetamol is generally safe to use alongside this medicine to help manage your child's fever and body aches. However, always consult your doctor before combining any medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to confirm the correct doses.
The active ingredient in this medicine is naturally extremely bitter. While flavorings are added to the oral suspension to make it more acceptable for pediatric use, some bitterness may still be noticeable. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need tips on making it easier for your child to swallow.
No, you must never stop the treatment early, even if your child appears fully recovered. Stopping the medicine too soon can allow surviving malaria parasites to multiply, causing the infection to return and potentially become resistant to treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Caution is highly recommended. This medicine can lower the seizure threshold in some patients, so you must inform your doctor about any history of epilepsy or seizures before starting treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to weigh the risks and benefits safely.
No, this medicine should be stored at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. Keep it away from freezing temperatures, heat, and direct sunlight. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need more details on safe storage.
