IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
(KWEYE-nine)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Quinerva, Quinite, QM-260
USES: This medication is used to treat or prevent malaria.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for leg cramps.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or use it more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or pain and ringing in the ears. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. This medication may cause dizziness or restlessness. Use caution when driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you experience any of the following effects, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor: vision problems, allergic reaction (symptoms include flushing, itching, skin rash, breathing difficulties). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before you take quinine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or if you have G-6-PD deficiency (an inherited blood disease), ringing ears, problems with vision, or a history of blackwater fever. If you become pregnant while taking quinine, contact your doctor immediately. If you ever had a bad reaction to quinine (or quinidine, a medication for irregular heartbeat), tell your doctor. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take quinine.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all other drugs you use (including nonprescription), especially of: acetazolamide, antacids, blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), cimetidine, digitoxin, digoxin, astemizole, quinidine. Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or sodium bicarbonate without asking your doctor. Also, avoid tonic water and nonprescription cold preparations that contain quinine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include ringing in the ears, headache, slow or irregular heartbeat, nausea, stomach pain, confusion, dilated pupils, changes in vision, urine discoloration, increased sensitivity to the sun, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.
MISSED DOSE: Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Developed by First DataBank, Inc., San Bruno, CA
Copyright 2004 by First DataBank, Inc.