Question 1

What is Quinine Dihydrochloride used for?

Accepted Answer

Severe malaria, complicated malaria (when the person is vomiting, unconscious, or very weak and cannot swallow tablets)

Question 2

How do you take Quinine Dihydrochloride?

Accepted Answer

This drug is given by injection in a hospital or clinic — it is NOT for self-administration at home. A doctor or nurse will dilute it in a drip (IV fluid) and give it slowly into your vein over 4 hours. The usual adult dose is 20 mg per kg body weight as a first dose, then 10 mg per kg every 8 hours. Once you can swallow, the doctor will switch you to oral quinine tablets to complete 7 days of treatment.

Question 3

What are the side effects of Quinine Dihydrochloride?

Accepted Answer

Ringing or buzzing in the ears (called 'cinchonism'), blurred vision or difficulty seeing clearly, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache

Question 4

Who should not take Quinine Dihydrochloride?

Accepted Answer

People who are allergic to quinine or have had a serious reaction to it before, people with a history of a blood condition called blackwater fever, people with a heart condition that causes irregular heartbeat (long QT syndrome), and people with a condition called G6PD deficiency (a blood disorder common in some Nigerians) should use it with extreme caution.

Question 5

Is Quinine Dihydrochloride safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Quinine Dihydrochloride can be used in pregnancy for severe malaria because untreated severe malaria is far more dangerous to both mother and baby, but it must be given under strict medical supervision in a hospital with regular blood sugar monitoring.

Quinine Dihydrochloride

What is this drug?

What is it used for?

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