Quinine: how to take it safely
Quinine sulphate
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats malaria, usually when other medicines are not available or have failed.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water, with food.
- Take the full course exactly as prescribed.
When to take it
Take it 3 times a day, at evenly spaced times.
Take it with
After food.
What to avoid
- Stopping early.
- Antacids at the same time.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, or if you take other medicines that affect the heart.
Possible side effects
Ringing in the ears, headache, nausea, blurred vision.
Get help if
Fainting, palpitations, severe vision or hearing changes, unusual bleeding, or very low blood sugar signs (sweating, shaking, confusion): get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.