Chinini Sulfaat tablets
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about
this medicine. If you would like more information about the medicine you are
taking, check with your doctor or other health care provider. No rights can be
derived from the information provided in this medicine leaflet.
Follow the directions you have been given carefully, especially if you are taking
quinine for the treatment of malaria.
Quinine is present in drinks such as tonic water and bitter lemon - try to avoid
these while taking quinine.
Seek medical attention immediately if you take too many tablets or if anyone
takes these tablets by accident.
Can quinine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects
although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body
adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of
the following side-effects continue or become troublesome:
Common side-effects - these affect
What can I do if I experience this
less than 1 in 10 people who take
this medicine
About quinine
Type of medicine
Antimalarial
Used for
Treatment of malaria
Treatment of night-time leg cramps
Also called
Quinine bisulphate
Quinine dihydrochloride
Quinine sulphate
Available as
Tablets
Injection (as an infusion)
Malaria is caused by a parasite which can enter your body when you are bitten by
a mosquito. Quinine works by stopping the parasite from reproducing.
It is used for leg cramps only where there is regular disruption of sleep and if
other treatments, such as stretching exercises, have not worked. It is not known
how quinine helps the pain from leg cramps.
Before taking quinine
Before taking quinine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

If you have any problems with your eyes, or with hearing.

If you have heart problems.

If you have kidney or liver problems.

If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disorder).

If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a
prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take quinine
For malaria:
If you are taking quinine in a tablet form, follow your doctor's instructions
carefully. Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed
information leaflet.
If you are having quinine as an injection by infusion, this will be given to you in
hospital.
For leg cramps:
Quinine tablets are usually taken at bedtime. At first, you will be given a fourweek trial of quinine to see if it helps you. After this, your treatment will be
checked every three months to make sure you are still benefiting from it.
If you develop a ringing noise in your ear, difficulty seeing, sickness, flushing or
pain in the abdomen, you must tell your doctor straight away as your treatment
may need to be stopped.
Getting the most from your treatment
If you are taking quinine for malaria it is important that you take the full course of
treatment even if you feel better.
Quinine is present in drinks such as tonic water and bitter lemon - try to avoid
these while taking quinine.
Your doctor may check your blood-sugar while you are on this medication.
Seek medical attention immediately if you take too many tablets or if anyone
takes any of these tablets by accident.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with
quinine.
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Van Helmontstraat 99
3029 AA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 - 10 4123871
Feeling sick
Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods. If
this continues, let your doctor know
Headache
Ask your pharmacist to recommend a
suitable painkiller
Hot and flushed skin
Wear cool clothing and sit in a well
ventilated room
Disturbance in vision
Make sure your eyesight is normal before
driving or operating machinery. If this
continues, let your doctor know
Important: if you develop any of the following contact your doctor as soon as
possible:

Any difficulty breathing, or any swelling of the mouth, throat or face.

An unexplained sore throat or unusual bruising.

Any bleeding in the skin, tiny red dots in the skin on the lower legs, small
scattered bruises, bleeding gums, blood in the stool or urine, or unusually
heavy periods (women).
How to store quinine
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.