Quinine Sulfate

Albiquin is indicated in- Uncomplicated, severe and complicated falciparum malaria Falciparum malaria resistant to other drugs Prevention of nocturnal muscle cramps Alleviation of muscle cramps in Thomsen's disease.

Quinine is believed to interfere with protein metabolism and inhibits nucleic acid synthesis in malarial parasites. Quinine is a highly active blood schizonticide and suppresses the asexual cycle of development of malaria parasites in the erythrocytes. It is effective both as a suppressive drug and in the over clinical attack of malaria.

Adult : Oral: 600 mg (of quinine salt) every 8 hours for 7 days. Parenteral: lf the patient is seriously ill quinine should be given by intravenous infusion. The adult dosage regimen for quinine by infusion is loading dose of 20 mg/kg (up to maximum 1.4 g) of quinine salt infused over 4 hours then after 8-12 hours maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg (up to maximum 700 mg) of quinine salt infused over 4 hours every 8-12 hours (until patient can swallow tablets to complete the 7 days course). Children : Oral: Quinine is well tolerated by children. The dosage regimen for quinine by mouth for children is 10 mg/kg (of quinine salt) every 8 hours for 7 days. Parenteral: The dosage regimen for quinine by intravenous infusion for children is calculated on a mg/kg basis as for adult. Pregnancy: The adult treatment doses of oral and intravenous quinine given above (including the loading dose) can safely be given to pregnant women.