How do you take Quinine Hydrochloride?

Quinine Hydrochloride is most commonly given as an injection (like Feccox Quinine Injection) in a hospital setting by a doctor or nurse through a drip (IV infusion). If prescribed as tablets, the usual adult dose is 600mg (two 300mg tablets) taken every 8 hours for 7 days. Always take it with food to reduce stomach upset. Swallow with a full glass of water.

What are the side effects of Quinine Hydrochloride?

Ringing or buzzing in the ears (called cinchonism), headache and dizziness, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, bitter taste in the mouth

Who should not take Quinine Hydrochloride?

People allergic to quinine or any related drugs, people with a history of blackwater fever (dark urine from previous quinine use), people with a condition called G6PD deficiency (a blood disorder common in some Nigerians), people with irregular heartbeat or heart problems, and people with myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition).

Prescription

Antimalarial

Quinine Hydrochloride

Q: What is Quinine Hydrochloride used for?

Severe malaria, complicated malaria (the serious type that may need hospital admission), malaria that has not responded to other antimalarial drugs

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Quinine Hydrochloride is an antimalarial drug that works by killing the malaria parasite in your blood, stopping it from multiplying and helping your body recover from the infection.

What is it used for?

Severe malariacomplicated malaria (the serious type that may need hospital admission)malaria that has not responded to other antimalarial drugs

Browse by condition

Malaria

How it works

Inhibits Plasmodium species parasites by intercalating into parasite DNA and increasing intracellular pH within the parasitic digestive vacuole, disrupting heme polymerization and causing accumulation of toxic heme metabolites that kill the organism.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

Quick Interaction Check

Is Quinine safe to take with another drug?

Check with multiple drugs →

Explore this drug

What to watch out for

Always complete the full 7-day course even if you start feeling better after 2-3 days — stopping early can make the malaria come back stronger. Only use quinine injections in a hospital or clinic under proper medical supervision, never at home or from a chemist. Make sure to eat well and regularly while taking quinine to prevent your blood sugar from dropping dangerously low.

Common Side Effects

Ringing or buzzing in the ears (called cinchonism)
headache and dizziness
nausea or vomiting
blurred vision
bitter taste in the mouth

Serious Side Effects

Sudden drop in blood sugar causing shakiness
confusion
or fainting — this is especially dangerous so eat regularly while on this drug. Irregular heartbeat or chest pain — go to the hospital immediately. Severe allergic reaction with rash
swelling
or difficulty breathing — seek emergency help right away.

Drug Interactions

Do not take with Halofantrine (another antimalarial) as this combination can cause dangerous heart problems. Avoid taking with Digoxin (a heart drug) as quinine can increase its levels dangerously in your blood. Avoid alcohol while on quinine as it can worsen dizziness and increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Check your specific combination

Is it safe to take Quinine with your other drugs?

Check →

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Quinine should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor says the malaria is severe enough to require it — it is not completely safe, so always consult your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to quinine or any related drugs
people with a history of blackwater fever (dark urine from previous quinine use)
people with a condition called G6PD deficiency (a blood disorder common in some Nigerians)
people with irregular heartbeat or heart problems
and people with myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition).

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it near windows or in your car. Keep away from moisture and always store out of reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.