Quinine

Question 1

What is it indicated for?

Answer 1

Is an option for nocturnal leg cramps

First-line treatment for malaria

Question 2

How does it work?

Answer 2

For leg cramps it is thought it reduces the frequency of muscle contractions

In malaria it interferes with detoxification of haem monomers produced by the parasites causing death

Question 3

What are the side effects of this drug?

Answer 3

Can be fatal in overdose
Tinnitus
Deafness
Blindness
GI upset
hypersensitivity reactions

It prolongs the QT interval

Hypoglycaemia

Question 4

What are the warnings for this drug?

Answer 4

Caution in people with existing hearing or visual loss

Should not be used in first trimester of pregnancy

Avoid in patients with G6PD deficiency

Question 5

What interactions can occur with drugs?

Answer 5

Caution in prescribing with drugs that prolong the QT interval such as amiodarone, antipsychotics, quinolones, macrolides, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.