Category:

• Antimalarial

Description:

• Chincona

Indications:

• Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria prophylaxis

• Nocturnal leg cramps

Contraindications:

• G-6-PD deficiency

• Pregnancy

• Optic neuritis

• Tinnitis

• History of thrombocytopenic purpura

• History of blackwater fever

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category X

• Use in caution in patients with cardiac disease due to “quinidine-like” activity.

• Take with food or milk to decrease gastrointestinal side effects.

• Report signs of “chinconism” (tinnitis, headache, nausea, vision changes)

• Use caution when driving or using hazardous machinery due to CNS side effects.

• Store in light-resistant containers.  

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Cardiovascular: anginal symptoms

• Central nervous system: tinnitis, vertigo, headache, fever, syncope, delirium

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, GI disturbances

• Acute hemolysis, hemolytic anemia

• Ophthalmic: visual changes

• Rash, pruritis, flushing

Dosage:

• Administered orally

• Malarial prophylaxis:

  • Adult: 260-650mg tid for 6-12 days

  • Child: 10mg/kg q8h for 5-7 days

• Leg cramps:

  • 260-300mg qhs