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Quinine: uses, side effects & brands
Quinine is an older antimalarial still used for certain cases. It belongs to the Antimalarial (treatment) group. These treat malaria; the choice depends on the malaria type and region.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Antimalarial (treatment) |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Treats malaria, mainly when preferred treatments are not available
- Used with another medicine such as doxycycline or clindamycin to complete a cure
- Treats some cases of malaria in early pregnancy
Common brand names
- India: Qinine, Relicin
- Worldwide: Qualaquin
Common side effects
- Ringing in the ears, headache and nausea (cinchonism)
- Blurred vision
- Low blood sugar
- Dizziness
Before taking it — precautions
- Tell your doctor about heart rhythm problems or medicines that affect heart rhythm
- Tell your doctor about G6PD deficiency or myasthenia gravis
- Not to be used for night-time leg cramps unless a doctor advises
When to see a doctor urgently
- Shakiness, sweating or confusion from low blood sugar (urgent)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding (urgent)
- Fainting, palpitations or sudden vision loss (urgent)
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of quinine depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Is quinine still used for malaria?
Yes, but it is mostly reserved for specific situations because newer treatments are better tolerated.
Why do my ears ring?
Ringing in the ears is a known side effect; tell your doctor, as it may mean the level is high.
Can I use tonic water instead?
No. Tonic water contains very little quinine and cannot treat malaria.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.