Why you should never take quinine for muscle cramps?
Quinine is a medicine which has been used to treat cramps for many years. There is conflicting evidence for its ability to reduce cramps. Quinine can cause serious, even fatal adverse events, especially in overdosage. Study characteristics. This review includes 23 trials, with 1586 participants. The trials compared quinine or quinine-based ...
What is quinine good for?
Quinine is an effective muscle relaxant and can be mixed with medicine for a cramps treatment of muscle injuries. It has properties to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. And quinine was proven to be an symptomatic treatment for arthritis; it managed to return an immobile hand into a movable state.
Is quinine a prescription drug?
Most Medicare prescription drug plans have prior authorization rules that will require your prescriber to contact your plan before you can get your medication. This is to show that the drug is medically necessary. What drug tier is quinine typically on? Medicare prescription drug plans typically list quinine on Tier 2 of their formulary.
Why is quinine in tonic water?
You may also be advised against taking quinine or drinking tonic water if you:
- have an abnormal heart rhythm, especially a prolonged QT interval
- have low blood sugar (because quinine can cause your blood sugar to drop)
- are pregnant
- have kidney or liver disease
What does quinine do for the body?
Quinine is used to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Plasmodium falciparum is a parasite that gets into the red blood cells in the body and causes malaria. Quinine works by killing the parasite or preventing it from growing.
What are the benefits of drinking tonic water with quinine?
The quinine present in tonic water provides a distinctive bitter flavour. The inclusion of quinine in tonic is often associated as a primary health benefit of tonic. Quinine's primary benefit is for the treatment of malaria. It's not used to prevent malaria, but rather to kill the organism responsible for the disease.
What are the benefits of drinking tonic water?
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that may contain sugar and has little nutritional value. The quinine present in tonic water provides a distinctive bitter flavor. While not dangerous, tonic water does not have any benefits and could lead to an unnecessary increase in calorie consumption.
Why is quinine not good for you?
Quinine should not be used to treat or prevent nighttime leg cramps. Quinine has not been shown to be effective for this purpose, and may cause serious or life-threatening side effects, including severe bleeding problems, kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, and severe allergic reactions.
Who should not take quinine?
This medicine may be used alone or given together with one or more medicines for malaria. Quinine should not be used to treat or prevent night time leg cramps. This medicine may cause very serious unwanted effects and should only be used for patients with malaria.
Is it OK to drink tonic water every day?
According to the American Heart Association, excess levels of sodium (they recommend staying under 1,500 mg) can lead to water retention, along with puffiness, bloating, and weight gain. Our verdict: Avoid tonic water as a daily drink if you're concerned about your waistline.
Does quinine help hair growth?
Widely used by the Incas, quinine bark, originating in South America, contains quinine, an alkaloid with stimulant properties that promote hair growth, giving it strength and vigor. With the anti-hair loss line by Klorane, fight effectively against hair loss and recover health and vitality of your hair.
Does Schweppes tonic water have quinine?
Schweppes tonic water quinine amount Tonic water in general and Schweppes tonic water, in particular, contains no more than 83 mg of quinine/liter. Schweppes quinine concentration is much less than the amount of quinine in the therapeutic dose of quinine tablets. Specifically, Schweppes quinine content is 67 mg/liter.
Are there any foods that contain quinine?
It is obtained from the bark of the cinchona tree and belongs to the group of alkaloids. In medicine quinine is used to treat malaria and nocturnal leg cramps. In the food sector, quinine is used as a flavouring mainly in beverages like bitter lemon and tonic water.
Why was quinine taken off the market?
In early 2007, FDA banned all prescription quinine products other than Qualaquin. FDA acted in this manner because of a perception that quinine is not effective for this condition and that its risk potential far exceeds its efficacy potential.
Is there quinine in grapefruit?
The juice or grapefruit itself contains valuable and natural quinine, which is advantageous for the treatment of malaria. Quinine is an alkaloid with a long history of treating malaria, as well as lupus, arthritis and nocturnal leg cramps.
Is quinine good for restless legs?
A drug called quinine was once a top treatment for RLS. But after reports of serious blood-related side effects (including death), in 2010 the FDA banned the use of quinine to treat leg cramps. The good news? There are low-dose “homeopathic” quinine products marketed to people who suffer from leg cramps.
What is Quinine used for?
It can also be found in smaller amounts in regular tonic water. In the present time, quinine is used to treat arthritis and lupus in the form of hydroxychloroquine. Quinine is an effective muscle relaxant and can be mixed with medicine for a cramps treatment of muscle injuries.
Where does quinine come from?
Quinine is a white crystaline alkaloid that naturally occurs in the bark of the Cinchona tree, although quinine can synthetically be produced in a lab as well. The Quechua Indians of Peru and Bolivia discovered the Cinchona tree; these peoples were aware of the medicinal properties of quinine.
When was quinine first discovered?
The first trial of synthesized quinine was done by William Henry Perkin in 1856.
Can quinine cause paralysis?
Another thing you should be aware of is that quinine injected to muscles may even cause paralysis that can last permanently. There are also other side effects such as erectile hypertension, constipation, dysfunction, diarrhea, too fast heartbeat, fever, etc.
Does quinine help with arthritis?
It has properties to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. And quinine was proven to be an symptomatic treatment for arthritis; it managed to return an immobile hand into a movable state. And in nowadays, it is known that quinine is pretty effective for treating lupus.
Is quinine analgesic or analgesic?
Quinine has a few different medicinal properties such as anti-fever, anti-arrhythmic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. But one needs to be careful when it comes to usage of the quinine. It is very important to follow instructions from a medical professional or doctor.
Can you drink tonic water with quinine?
All this needs to be considered, before taking the medicine — only use quinine as a medicine when it is prescribed to you. Despite the healthful effects of quinine, readers should also know that drinking large quantities of tonic water cannot be seen as a healthy choice — this drink will contain a lot of sugar, as well.
What is Quinine used for?
Use. Quinine has been used for the treatment of malaria and associated febrile states, leg cramps caused by vascular spasm, internal hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and pleural cavities after thoracoplasty.
Why is quinine used in leukemia?
Quinine has been used to reverse multidrug resistance in patients with acute leukemias who express a higher incidence of P glycoprotein expression in blast cells . A high cure rate and better survival were shown in patients treated with combined quinine and chemotherapy when compared with chemotherapy alone.
What is the most potent cinchona alkaloids?
Quinine is among the most potent of the cinchona alkaloids with respect to antimalarial activity. 10 Resistant strains of Plasmodium have been identified. A small, in vitro study showed potential of phenobarbital to partially reverse quinine resistance. 17 Calcium antagonists and other agents (eg, prochlorperazine) are being studied for reversing P. falciparum resistance to quinine. 18 Various antibiotics (ie, artemisinin, artemether, clindamycin, doxycycline, mefloquine) in combination with quinine are being tested and used to treat resistant strains of P. falciparum. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 If the oral route is not available for administration of quinine in children, effective alternate routes (ie, IM, intrarectal, IV) can be used. 25, 26, 27, 28 Close monitoring for adverse reactions is advised, especially in young children who are more susceptible to quinine toxicity. 26 The combination of quinine and clindamycin has been safely and effectively used in Thailand for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. 29
How much quinine is fatal?
Quinine and related alkaloids are rapidly absorbed from the GI tract; a single 2 to 8 g oral dose of quinine may be fatal to an adult. 3, 11, 12 Treatment of an overdose is generally supportive. Urinary acidification can be employed if necessary. 1 Quinine is not eliminated by hemofiltration or hemodialysis. 15.
How is quinine eliminated?
Uses and Pharmacology. Quinine is eliminated mainly by hepatic metabolism with very little excreted unchanged in the urine. 4, 5, 15 Cytochrome P450 3A4 has been shown to be important in the metabolism of quinine.
What is the bark of a cinchona plant used for?
The dried ground bark of the cinchona plant has been used for centuries for the treatment of malaria, fever, indigestion, mouth and throat diseases, and cancer. 10, 11, 12 The name cinchona is said to be derived from the Countess of Chinchon, the wife of a viceroy of Peru, who it was long believed was cured in 1638 from a fever by the use of the bark; 13 however, the story has been widely disputed. Formal use of the bark to treat malaria was established in the mid-1800s when the British began the worldwide cultivation of the plant 11 in order to assure the continuing availability because the plant was in danger of extinction in some regions because of the harvesting of wild populations. 13
Does quinine cause fever?
Quinine has been thought to have antipyretic action. 1 Although quinine administered before acetaminophen produces a more rapid drop in temperature than administration after acetaminophen, quinine alone has no effect on fever. 30
Why do people drink quinine?
People have consumed quinine in tonic water to help treat cases of malaria for centuries. In this article, learn about what quinine is and what its side effects and possible benefits are.
What are the side effects of quinine?
Some of the possible side effects of taking quinine as a medication include: abnormal heartbeat. kidney damage. severe allergic reaction. electrolyte imbalance. vision or eye issues.
Why is quinine bitter?
As a food additive , quinine offers a bitter taste. Manufacturers usually add it to tonic water.
Does quinine cause nausea?
Side effects. Quinine is very diluted in tonic water. The likelihood of a person experiencing any side effects from drinking tonic water is slim. However, side effects of quinine can include: ringing in the ears. vomiting. stomach cramps. nervousness. nausea.
Can quinine be used for restless legs?
In fact, the FDA have warned doctors against prescribing quinine to treat leg cramps or restless legs syndrome. Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that may contain sugar and has little nutritional value. The quinine present in tonic water provides a distinctive bitter flavor.
Does tonic water help with leg cramps?
Tonic water does not have any known nutritional benefits. Many people believe that drinking tonic water helps with nighttime leg cramps and restless legs syndrome. However, there is no scientific evidence verifying this belief.
Is quinine in tonic water diluted?
The quinine in tonic water is very diluted. It is unlikely that a person will experience even mild side effects from drinking tonic water, but they should be cautious if they are taking quinine as a medication and try to report any side effects to a doctor. Last medically reviewed on November 14, 2018.
What is Quinine used for?
Quinine is used to treat uncomplicated malaria, a disease caused by parasites. Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.
What are the side effects of Quinine?
Quinine side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
What is the name of the disorder in which you have to take quinine?
a heart rhythm disorder called Long QT syndrome; an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G-6-PD); myasthenia gravis; optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve); or. if you have taken quinine in the past and it caused a blood cell disorder, severe bleeding, or kidney problems.
What medications interact with quinine?
Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with quinine, especially: acetazolamide, sodium bicarbonate; aminophylline, theophylline; arsenic trioxide, vandetanib; bosentan; imatinib; methadone; tacrolimus;
How long do you have to stop quinine?
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell your caregivers ahead of time that you are using quinine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment, or if your symptoms return after you have finished the medicine.
Can quinine cause blood in the back?
Quinine can cause serious side effects on your heart, kidneys, or blood cells. Stop taking quinine and call your doctor at once if you have headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats, unusual bruising or bleeding ( nosebleeds, bleeding gums, purple or red spots under your skin), signs of infection (fever, chills, mouth sores), severe lower back pain, or blood in your urine.
Can quinine be used for leg cramps?
Some people have used quinine to treat leg cramps, but this is not an FDA-approved use. Using this medication improperly or without the advice of a doctor can result in serious side effects or death. Quinine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Why is quinine used in medicine?
Quinine was originally developed as a medicine to fight malaria. It was crucial in reducing the death rate of workers building the Panama Canal in the early 20 th century. Quinine, when found in small doses in tonic water, is safe to consume. The first tonic waters contained powdered quinine, sugar, and soda water.
Where does Quinine come from?
Quinine is a bitter compound that comes from the bark of the cinchona tree. The tree is most commonly found in South America, Central America, the islands of the Caribbean, and parts of the western coast of Africa. Quinine was originally developed as a medicine to fight malaria.
Is quinine a bitter drink?
Quinine is still in tonic water, which is consumed around the world as a popular mixer with spirits, such as gin and vodka. It’s a bitter beverage, though some manufacturers have tried to soften the taste a little with added sugars and other flavors.
Is quinine diluted in water?
Side effects and risks. Quinine in tonic water is diluted enough that serious side effects are unlikely. If you do have a reaction, it may include: However, these are more common side effects for quinine taken as a medication. Among the most serious potential side effects associated with quinine are: Keep in mind that these reactions are primarily ...
What to know before taking quinine?
Before using quinine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems ( heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG ), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
How to report quinine side effects in Canada?
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. Before taking quinine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to quinidine or mefloquine; or if you have any other allergies.
What is the difference between quinine and cimetidine?
Because cimetidine and aluminum/ magnesium antacids may interact with quinine, ask your pharmacist about other products to treat extra stomach acid. Quinine is very similar to quinidine.
What medications can affect quinine?
Examples include cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir ), urinary alkalinizers such as sodium bicarbonate, among others.
What is primaquine used for?
This medication is used to kill the malaria parasites living inside red blood cells. In some cases, you may need to take a different medication (such as primaquine) to kill the malaria parasites living in other body tissues. Both drugs may be needed for a complete cure and to prevent the return of infection (relapse).
Can quinine cause diarrhea?
This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics /" water pills ") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using quinine safely. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
Does quinine bind to malaria?
These products bind with quinine, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, country where you were infected, other medications you may be taking for malaria, and your response to treatment. The dosage in children is also based on weight.
Quinine cannot kill the virus that causes COVID-19
Quinine is related to hydroxychloroquine, and both are medicines used to treat malaria infections. Hydroxychloroquine has been used in hospital settings to treat COVID-19, and some sources have claimed that quinine can also treat the disease.
Quinine side effects are numerous
The list of quinine side effects is very long. While the small amount of quinine in tonic water is unlikely to cause these side effects, a high dosage of quinine may cause some potentially serious problems. For this reason, quinine is not usually the first line of treatment for malaria.
Quinine Precautions
There haven’t been enough studies in children or elderly people to know whether it is safe for these people to take any dosage of quinine.
Clinical Overview
- Use
Quinine has been used for the treatment of malaria and associated febrile states, leg cramps caused by vascular spasm, internal hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and pleural cavities after thoracoplasty. - Dosing
Quinine has been widely studied as an antimalarial, and has been used at doses of 325 mg to 1 g as the sulfate salt. Classical doses of the crude bark were approximately 1 g.
Botany
- The cinchonas are evergreen shrubs and trees that grow to heights of 15 to 31 m.10 They are native to the mountainous areas of tropical Central and South America, including regions of Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Peru. The oblong seed capsule is about 3 cm long and, when ripe, splits open at the base. Each capsule contains 40 to 50 slender seeds that are so light that approximat…
History
- The dried ground bark of the cinchona plant has been used for centuries for the treatment of malaria, fever, indigestion, mouth and throat diseases, and cancer.10, 11, 12 The name cinchona is said to be derived from the Countess of Chinchon, the wife of a viceroy of Peru, who it was long believed was cured in 1638 from a fever by the use of the bark;13 however, the story has been w…
Chemistry
- Typical cinchona bark contains about 16% of quinoline alkaloids consisting mainly of quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine. The primary component of this mixture is quinine. Quinidine is the dextrorotatory isomer of quinine. Approximately 35 additional minor compounds related to quinine have been identified in the plant.10, 11 As a rule, the yellow cinchona has a hig…
Uses and Pharmacology
- Quinine is eliminated mainly by hepatic metabolism with very little excreted unchanged in the urine.4, 5, 15 Cytochrome P450 3A4 has been shown to be important in the metabolism of quinine. Seven metabolites have been identified with 3-hydroxyquinine being the major metabolite.3, 4, 5, 16 In patients with acute renal failure who are infected with Plasmodium falci…
Dosing
- Quinine has been widely studied as an antimalarial, and has been used at doses of 325 mg to 1 g as the sulfate salt. Classical doses of the crude bark were approximately 1 g.
Pregnancy / Lactation
- Quinine has been previously listed as being contraindicated during pregnancy because of fetal and abortifacient effects.1 A review of the safety of antimalarial drugs in pregnancy state that standard (antimalarial) doses of quinine showed no evidence of increased risk of abortion or preterm delivery. Quinine has been shown to be secreted into breast milk, but insignificant amou…
Interactions
- Amantadine
In a randomized crossover study, administration of a single oral 200 mg dose of quinine decreased the renal clearance of a single oral dose of amantadine (3 mg/kg), increasing the plasma concentrations, in men but not women.39 - Carbamazepine
The effect of a single 600 mg oral dose of quinine on the pharmacokinetics of a 200 mg oral dose of carbamazepine was studied in 6 healthy volunteers.40Compared with giving carbamazepine alone, quinine administration increased the carbamazepine area under the plasma concentratio…
Adverse Reactions
- Quinine exhibits considerable inter- and intraindividual variations in metabolism and elimination, with differences also seen in healthy compared with malaria-infected patients. Adverse effects are dose-related.43
Toxicology
- Quinine and related alkaloids are rapidly absorbed from the GI tract; a single 2 to 8 g oral dose of quinine may be fatal to an adult.3, 11, 12 Treatment of an overdose is generally supportive. Urinary acidification can be employed if necessary.1 Quinine is not eliminated by hemofiltration or hemodialysis.15