Quinine Sulfate

Generic Name: quinine sulfate

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Quinine Sulfate

11 DESCRIPTION Quinine sulfate is a cinchona alkaloid chemically described as cinchonan-9-ol, 6'-methoxy-, (8α, 9R)-, sulfate (2:1) (salt), dihydrate with a molecular formula of (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 •H 2 SO 4 •2H 2 O and a molecular weight of 782.94. The structural formula of quinine sulfate is: Quinine sulfate occurs as a white, crystalline powder that darkens on exposure to light. It is odorless and has a persistent very bitter taste.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Quinine sulfate is a cinchona alkaloid chemically described as cinchonan-9-ol, 6'-methoxy-, (8α, 9R)-, sulfate (2:1) (salt), dihydrate with a molecular formula of (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 •H 2 SO 4 •2H 2 O and a molecular weight of 782.94. The structural formula of quinine sulfate is: Quinine sulfate occurs as a white, crystalline powder that darkens on exposure to light. It is odorless and has a persistent very bitter taste.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Quinine sulfate capsule USP is a cinchona alkaloid indicated for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria ( 1 ). Quinine sulfate capsule USP is an antimalarial drug indicated only for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Quinine sulfate has been shown to be effective in geographical regions where resistance to chloroquine has been documented [see CLINICAL STUDIES ( 14 )] . Quinine sulfate capsules USP are not approved for: Treatment of severe or complicated P. falciparum malaria. Prevention of malaria. Treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.1 )] .

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults (≥ 16 years of age): 648 mg (two capsules) every 8 hours for 7 days ( 2.1 ). Patients with severe chronic renal impairment: one loading dose of 648 mg (two capsules) followed 12 hours later by 324 mg (one capsule) every 12 hours for 7 days ( 2.2 ). 2.1 Treatment of Uncomplicated P. falciparum Malaria For treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in adults: Orally, 648 mg (two capsules) every 8 hours for 7 days [see CLINICAL STUDIES ( 14 )] . Quinine sulfate capsules USP should be taken with food to minimize gastric upset [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )] .

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions are a cluster of symptoms called "cinchonism", which occurs to some degree in almost all patients taking quinine: headache, vasodilation and sweating, nausea, tinnitus, hearing impairment, vertigo or dizziness, blurred vision, disturbance in color perception, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, deafness, blindness, and disturbances in cardiac rhythm or conduction ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-399-2561 or www.lupinpharmaceuticals.com. or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Overall Quinine can adversely affect almost every body system.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Interacting Drug Interaction Drugs known to prolong QT interval (e.g., Class IA and Class III antiarrhythmic agents). Quinine sulfate prolongs QT interval, ECG abnormalities including QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes. Avoid concomitant use ( 5.3 ). Other antimalarials (e.g., halofantrine, mefloquine). ECG abnormalities including QT prolongation Avoid concomitant use ( 5.3 , 7.2 ). CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors Alteration in plasma quinine concentration. Monitor for lack of efficacy or increased adverse events of quinine ( 7.1 ). CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 substrates Quinine is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Monitor for lack of efficacy or increased adverse events of the co-administered drug ( 7.2 ). Digoxin Increased digoxin plasma concentration ( 5.8 , 7.1 ).

Warnings

WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC REACTIONS [see FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION for complete boxed warning] Quinine sulfate capsules use for the treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps may result in serious and life-threatening hematologic reactions, including thrombocytopenia and hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (HUS/TTP). Chronic renal impairment associated with the development of TTP has been reported. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Not indicated for the prevention or treatment of nocturnal leg cramps. Risk of serious and life-threatening adverse reactions ( 1 , 5.1 ). Thrombocytopenia, including ITP and HUS/TTP, has been reported. Discontinue drug ( 5.2 ). QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Avoid concomitant use with drugs known to prolong QT interval ( 5.3 ). Avoid concomitant use with rifampin. Quinine sulfate treatment failures have been reported ( 5.4 ). Avoid concomitant use with neuromuscular blocking agents. Quinine sulfate may potentiate neuromuscular blockade and cause respiratory depression ( 5.5 ). Serious and life threatening hypersensitivity reactions. Discontinue drug ( 4 , 5.6 ). Atrial fibrillation and flutter. Paradoxical increase in ventricular rate may occur. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Quinine sulfate is contraindicated in patients with the following: Prolongation of QT interval ( 4 ) Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency ( 4 ) Myasthenia gravis ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to quinine, mefloquine, or quinidine ( 4 ) Optic neuritis ( 4 ) Quinine sulfate is contraindicated in patients with the following: • Prolonged QT interval.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Quinine sulfate capsules USP, 324 mg are available as size "0" capsules with clear transparent cap and clear transparent body imprinted with "LU" on cap and "Y51" on body in black ink, containing white to off white powder: Bottles of 30 NDC 68180-560-06 16.2 Storage Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quinine Sulfate used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Quinine sulfate capsule USP is a cinchona alkaloid indicated for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria ( 1 ). Quinine sulfate capsule USP is an antimalarial drug indicated only for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Quinine sulfate has been shown to be effective in geographical regions where resistance to chloroquine has been documented [see CLINICAL STUDIES ( 14 )] . Quinine sulfate capsules USP are not approved for: Treatment of severe or complicated P. falciparum malaria. Prevention of malaria. Treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.1 )] .

What are the side effects of Quinine Sulfate?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions are a cluster of symptoms called "cinchonism", which occurs to some degree in almost all patients taking quinine: headache, vasodilation and sweating, nausea, tinnitus, hearing impairment, vertigo or dizziness, blurred vision, disturbance in color perception, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, deafness, blindness, and disturbances in cardiac rhythm or conduction ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-399-2561 or www.lupinpharmaceuticals.com. or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Overall Quinine can adversely affect almost every body system.

What are the important warnings for Quinine Sulfate?

WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC REACTIONS [see FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION for complete boxed warning] Quinine sulfate capsules use for the treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps may result in serious and life-threatening hematologic reactions, including thrombocytopenia and hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (HUS/TTP). Chronic renal impairment associated with the development of TTP has been reported. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Not indicated for the prevention or treatment of nocturnal leg cramps. Risk of serious and life-threatening adverse reactions ( 1 , 5.1 ). Thrombocytopenia, including ITP and HUS/TTP, has been reported. Discontinue drug ( 5.2 ). QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Avoid concomitant use with drugs known to prolong QT interval ( 5.3 ). Avoid concomitant use with rifampin. Quinine sulfate treatment failures have been reported ( 5.4 ). Avoid concomitant use with neuromuscular blocking agents. Quinine sulfate may potentiate neuromuscular blockade and cause respiratory depression ( 5.5 ). Serious and life threatening hypersensitivity reactions. Discontinue drug ( 4 , 5.6 ). Atrial fibrillation and flutter. Paradoxical increase in ventricular rate may occur. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Quinine sulfate is contraindicated in patients with the following: Prolongation of QT interval ( 4 ) Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency ( 4 ) Myasthenia gravis ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to quinine, mefloquine, or quinidine ( 4 ) Optic neuritis ( 4 ) Quinine sulfate is contraindicated in patients with the following: • Prolonged QT interval.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.