Quinine Capsules is used for:
Treating malaria. It is usually used with other anti-malarial medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Quinine Capsules is an antimalarial. It works by killing the malaria parasite.
Do NOT use Quinine Capsules if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Quinine Capsules
• you have a history of a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) or bleeding problems caused by using Quinine Capsules in the past
• you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency, ringing in the ears, inflammation of the optic (eye) nerve, or a history of certain blood problems (eg, blackwater fever, intravascular hemolysis)
• you are taking cisapride, dofetilide, terfenadine, or astemizole
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Quinine Capsules:
Some medical conditions may interact with Quinine Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat), depression, low blood sugar, myasthenia gravis, seizures, or a family history of G-6-PD deficiency
• if you have vision problems, eye pain, or a bleeding disorder (eg, thrombocytopenic purpura)
• if you are scheduled for surgery or anesthesia
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Quinine Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Acetazolamide, arsenic, astemizole, ketolide antibiotics (eg, telithromycin), macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), sodium bicarbonate, or terfenadine because the risk of their side effects, including irregular heartbeat, may be increased by Quinine Capsules
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), cisapride, digoxin, or dofetilide because the risk of their side effects, such as bleeding and irregular heartbeat, may be increased by Quinine Capsules
• Rifampin because it may decrease Quinine Capsules's effectiveness
• Anticholinesterase medicines (eg, neostigmine) because its effectiveness may be decreased by Quinine Capsules
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Quinine Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Quinine Tabs:
Use Quinine Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• Take Quinine Capsules by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Do not take an antacid that has aluminum in it within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Quinine Capsules.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Quinine Capsules.
• Continue taking Quinine Capsules for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of Quinine Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Quinine Capsules.
Important safety information:
• Quinine Capsules may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Quinine Capsules with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• If your symptoms do not get better within a few days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Quinine Capsules before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Quinine Capsules if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Quinine Capsules is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Quinine Capsules, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Quinine Capsules:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; nervousness; restlessness; stomach cramps; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, or other unusual vision changes; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; decreased amount of urine or trouble urinating; decreased hearing, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears; fainting; fast heartbeat; fatigue; fever, chills, or sore throat; flushing; loss of appetite; mood or mental problems; personality changes; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; severe stomach pain; sudden onset of cold sweat; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; weight loss; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Symptoms may include confusion; dilated pupils; loss of consciousness; nausea and vomiting; rash; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness; slow or irregular heartbeat; stomach cramping or pain; urine discoloration; vision loss.
Proper storage of Quinine Capsules:
Store Quinine Capsules at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Quinine Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.