How do you take Quinine?

For adults, the usual dose is 600 mg (two 300 mg tablets) taken every 8 hours for 7 days. Take it with food to reduce stomach upset. Swallow tablets with a full glass of water. Quinine tastes very bitter — this is normal. Always complete the full 7-day course even if you feel better after a few days.

What are the side effects of Quinine?

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

Who should not take Quinine?

People allergic to quinine or who have had a bad reaction to it before, people with a condition called G6PD deficiency (a blood disorder common in Nigeria), people with irregular heartbeat or heart problems, people with myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition), and people with a history of blackwater fever.

Prescription

Antimalarial

Quinine

Q: What is Quinine used for?

Severe malaria, complicated malaria, malaria that is not responding to other antimalarial drugs

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

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

What is it used for?

Severe malariacomplicated malariamalaria that is not responding to other antimalarial drugs

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Malaria

How it works

Inhibits Plasmodium parasite protein synthesis by intercalating into parasite DNA and binding to the 80S ribosome, disrupting the parasite's metabolic processes and preventing erythrocyte rupture. Additionally, increases the pH of the parasite's digestive vacuole, impairing hemoglobin digestion and parasite survival.

Prescription Required

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

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What to watch out for

Always buy quinine from a licensed pharmacy — fake and substandard antimalarials are common from roadside sellers and open markets in Nigeria. Complete the full 7-day course even if you feel better after 2-3 days, otherwise the malaria can come back stronger. Eat regular meals while taking quinine because it can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low, especially if you are not eating well.

Common Side Effects

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

Serious Side Effects

Sudden drop in blood sugar causing confusion
sweating and shaking — eat regularly while taking quinine. Irregular or fast heartbeat — stop the drug and go to hospital immediately. Severe skin rash
difficulty breathing
or swelling of the face — this may be a dangerous allergic reaction.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking quinine with mefloquine (another antimalarial) as it increases the risk of seizures and heart problems. Quinine can increase the effect of blood thinners like warfarin, causing dangerous bleeding. Avoid alcohol while on quinine as it can worsen dizziness and increase the risk of low blood sugar.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Quinine should only be used during pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor for severe malaria where the benefit outweighs the risk — it is not safe for self-medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to quinine or who have had a bad reaction to it before
people with a condition called G6PD deficiency (a blood disorder common in Nigeria)
people with irregular heartbeat or heart problems
people with myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition)
and people with a history of blackwater fever.

How to Store

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

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