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Precautions
Does all tonic water have quinine in it? The short answer is no. Tonic water contains quinine, a medicine that is distantly related to hydroxychloroquine, the antimalarial drug being tested to treat COVID-19. But the concentration of quinine in tonic drinks is significantly below the levels found in anti-malaria drugs, effectively busting that ...
Does all tonic water have quinine in it?
Tonic water may lead to weight gain. Shutterstock. While the amount of quinine contained in malaria is too low to have much impact on your health unless you're guzzling gallons of the stuff, it comes with the same downside as any other type of soda.
Is tonic water good or bad for You?
- nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps
- ringing in the ears and hearing loss
- changes in vision
- weakness and shakiness
- confusion
- nervousness
- changes in blood sugar
- rarely, serious complications like altered mental status, kidney damage, changes in heart rhythms, bleeding problems, seizures and allergic reactions
What are the health benefits of tonic water?
Uses and Pharmacology
- Antimalarial. Quinine is among the most potent of the cinchona alkaloids with respect to antimalarial activity. ...
- Antipyretic. Quinine has been thought to have antipyretic action. ...
- Leg and other muscle cramps. Another common use of quinine has been for the treatment of leg cramps caused by vascular spasm. ...
- Other uses. ...
What are the benefits of quinine?

What does quinine tonic do to 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.
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.
Are there any health benefits to quinine?
Quinine benefits aren't proven. Other than its use as an antimalarial drug, quinine doesn't have any health benefits. While quinine in tonic water has been used as a home remedy for nighttime leg cramps and muscle pain, there's no evidence that it works.
What does quinine treat?
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.
Is quinine good for arthritis?
Share on Pinterest Quinine may help scientists to design better anti-inflammatory drugs. Inflammation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it helps tissue to heal and protects it against further damage. On the other hand, it can damage the very tissue it is meant to protect.
Does quinine affect sleep?
The results showed that quinine significantly increased the time spent in wakefulness and decreased the time spent in slow wave sleep along the 24h of polygraphic recording.
Who should not drink tonic water?
According to medical professionals, quinine should not be taken by people suffering from low blood sugar, abnormal heart rhythms, kidney disease, or liver disease. It is also very bad for pregnant mothers. Coincidentally, people suffering from these conditions should not be drinking either.
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.
Is quinine an antiviral?
In human Caco-2 colon epithelial cells as well as the lung cell line A549 stably expressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2, quinine also showed antiviral activity.
Is quinine an antibiotic?
Quinine is a prescription drug used as an antimalarial drug indicated only for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Is quinine a blood thinner?
Coumadin (warfarin) and quinine are a no-no! When these compounds are combined, the anticoagulant effect may be magnified. There are cases of hemorrhage associated with this interaction. The same problem might also occur with the heart medicine quinidine, which is related to quinine.
How long does quinine take to work?
Getting the most from your treatment You may need to take quinine for about four weeks before you feel the full benefit.
When was Quinine used?
It has been used in unextracted form by Europeans since at least the early 17 th century ( x ). Quinine remained the antimalarial drug of choice until after World War II. Quinine is commonly used alone or with other medications to treat malaria, but it should not be used to prevent malaria.
What is the only source of quinine?
Cinchona trees remain the only “economically practical” source of quinine, however, under wartime pressure during World War II, research on its synthetic production was undertaken, with a formal chemical synthesis accomplished in 1944 by American chemists R.B. Woodward and W.E. Doering.
What is the chiral moiety of quinine?
In the scientific community, quinine – and quinidine – are used as the “chiral moiety” for the ligands used in “sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation” as well as for numerous other “chiral catalyst backbones.”.
Where does quinine come from?
Quinine Powder. As we touched on in the beginning of this article, quinine was first isolated in 1820 from the bark of a cinchona tree, which is native to Peru, and bark extracts have been used to treat malaria since at least 1632.
What is the name of the brand of quinine sulfate?
In the United States, quinine sulfate is commercially available in 324-milligram tablets under the brand name Qualaquin; it’s also a flavor component of tonic water and bitter lemon drink mixers – in fact, on the soda gun behind many bars, tonic water is designated by the letter “Q” representing quinine.
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.
What is tonic water?
While a gin and tonic and vodka and tonic are staples at any bar, tonic water is becoming a more versatile beverage. It’s now mixed with tequila, brandy, and just about any other alcoholic beverage. Citrus flavors are often added, so if you see the term “bitter lemon” or “bitter lime,” you know the drink includes tonic water with ...
Can you drink tonic water for leg cramps?
Today, people sometimes drink tonic water to treat nighttime leg cramps associated with circulatory or nervous system problems. However, this treatment is not recommended. Quinine is still given in in small doses to treat malaria in tropical regions.
Is tonic water a mixer?
Tonic water has since become a common mixer with liquor, the most well-known combination being gin and tonic. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows tonic water to contain no more than 83 parts per million of quinine, because there can be side effects from quinine.
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 it safe to drink tonic water?
Takeaway. If tonic water is your mixer of choice, you’re probably safe to have a little now and then. But don’t drink it thinking it will cure nighttime leg cramps or conditions such as restless leg syndrome. The science isn’t there for tonic water or qui nine to treat these conditions.
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.
What was the purpose of the Cinchona tree?
Cinchona trees served as a very practical source of quinine. During II World War, feeling the pressure of so many deaths, scientific research was conducted with the aim of discovering whether the synthetic production of quinine was a viable option.
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.
Why is quinine used in medicine?
Dating back in the ancient period precisely in the 16 th century, quinine was used to treat malaria by British troops invading Africa at the colonial period. It gained popularity for it s ability to ward off malaria back then.
How much quinine should I take for malaria?
In fact the daily therapeutic recommended dosage of quinine is between the ranges of 500-1000mg and 10mg /kg for every 8 hours which is considered to be effective for malaria treatment.
What is tonic water?
Tonic water is a special and popular mixer that is used to combine different drinks to make a superb cocktail. It is special in such a way that it has dissolved quinine which not only gives it a distinct bitter taste but also has some health benefits as well. The quinine has medicinal significance.
Why do athletes use tonics?
A number of people have used tonic to help them in relaxing tight or sore muscle. This is due to quinine which is the active ingredient in it.
How many carbs are in a tonic?
Unlike the diet tonic that is calories –free, the tonic drinks are rich in high fructose corn syrup as sweeteners which give about 124 calories and about 32 grams of carbohydrate per single serving. Therefore, it is recommended for those who have low calories in their body and wish to add weight.
Is tonic water good for vodka?
The tonic water besides being beneficial in the field of health, tonic water is known to be a perfect mixer of gins and vodka. This has been attributed to the presence of quinine which gives the bitter taste.
Does quinine help with leg cramps?
Studies show that quinine in tonic water is effective in decreasing the occurrence of leg cramps. However, the amount of quinine should be limited as too much of it is known to cause potentially hypersensitivity reactions. Most commercial beverages tend to greatly vary their quinine concentration.
Uses of quinine
Quinine is used alone or with other medications to treat malaria (a serious or life-threatening illness that is spread by mosquitos in certain parts of the world).
Health benefits of quinine
Apart from offering high concentrations of quinine, the quinine tree also contains other compounds such as quinidine, cinchonine, and dihydroquinamine, which can be used for various purposes. Below are the 7 health benefits of quinine;
Does tonic water contain quinine?
Tonic water is a type of soft drink that contains quinine hydrochloride in its composition, which gives the typical bitter taste of this drink.
How to make quinine tea
The cinchona is popularly used in the form of tea, which can be prepared with the leaves and peel of the plant.
Side effects of quinine
The use of the quinine plant and, therefore, quinine, is contraindicated in pregnant women and children, as well as in patients with depression, blood clotting problems, or liver diseases.
What is Quinine water?
The quinine is a major component of tonic water, along with sugar and several other flavors. Quinine holds a lot of medical significance, making tonic water extremely beneficial, especially for treating Malaria. Quinine is consumed in small doses for treating and diagnosing malaria in tropical reasons. Whether or not you live in regions prone ...
What is the best tonic water for muscle spasms?
As quinine is the key ingredient of tonic water, it has got properties to treat and reduce muscle spasms. So, if you are a patient to muscle spasms, tonic water must be your go-to drink. Not just muscle spasms, for tight or sore muscles as well, tonic water can be a rescuer.
Can you drink tonic water with quinine?
But yes, you must also know that tonic water and quinine are not specifically used to treat any diseases but quinine is blessed with medicinal properties. Tonic water has high sugar content so it is high in calories. This means, whenever you consume high-calorie foods during times of stress, tonic water can help.
Is tonic water good for recovery?
Speeds Recovery. Due to its high-calorie content, tonic water makes a great post-workout drink, for athletes and sportsmen after their workouts, sessions, and games. Since their bodies require high amounts of calories and water after workout sessions, tonic water is just the right choice – as it is a mixture of both.
Is tonic water better than alcohol?
It has got a sweetness and frizz to it which makes it an active substitute for alcohol. Even people who don’t appreciate tonic water, know for a fact that it is at least better than alcohol.
Can you drink tonic water without checking?
We have comprehensively discussed the positives of tonic water. But this does not mean you can consume it without checks. Overconsumption of anything proves to be bad, and tonic water is no different. But yes, you won’t know until you try. So, order your first bottle from Strangelove Tonic water.
Does tonic water help with leg cramps?
However, there is no medical evidence, there are people who have used tonic water to treat nighttime leg cramps. So, if you suffer with leg cramps or restless legs syndrome, trying tonic water might help. As quinine is the key ingredient of tonic water, it has got properties to treat and reduce muscle spasms.
Why is tonic water sugary?
That’s the reason why tonic water given sugar in order to be more acceptable in common people who loves to drink it to gain health benefits. Tonic water is little bit different with other soft drink people used to thinking about. But take a gander at the nutrition labels on bottles of tonic water and Coke, and people will notice ...
Why is tonic water called tonic water?
This water being called as tonic water because it contains a substance called ‘Quinine’ that useful as preventive substance to against malaria. Tonic water contains a very high number of Quinine so the taste is so bitter. That’s the reason why tonic water given sugar in order to be more acceptable in common people who loves to drink it ...
What is the difference between soda water and tonic water?
Both of this kind of water are carbonated water and commonly contain quinine with so many health benefits against disease. Tonic water acts as drugs and calorie while soda water is a mind of simple carbonated water. Soda water contains sodium bicarbonate ...
What are the ingredients in Schweppes tonic water?
This is the ingredients inside one of a very famous brand of Tonic Water, Schweppes, which are tonic, carbonated water, sugar, beverage base, sodium benzoate as the preservative, and quinine. Soda water and tonic water is likely but so many differences in so many ways. Both of this kind of water are carbonated water and commonly contain quinine ...
Why does tonic water taste bitter?
This tonic water contain a kind of chemical substance called as ‘kinase’, and it makes the taste of this water taste little bit bitter in taste than common mineral water. Tonic water was drunk by some people in order to cure a certain disease like malaria (read ore about the health benefits of papaya leaves to cure infection).
Is tonic water good for you?
Here are all the health benefits of drinking diet tonic water: useful for gastro intestinal or digestive organ system. Drinking carbonated water can increase the metabolism process inside the human body. Carbonated water well known to be useful to cure dyspepsia symptoms and other diseases.
Does carbonation clear your throat?
In a study, 72 people who want to clear their throat with cool carbonated water, surprisingly the result is there are 63% increase of subject capability to clear the human’s throat as well.
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.

Preparation
This medication is used alone or with other medication to treat malaria caused by mosquito bites in countries where malaria is common.
May Treat: Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria · Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Brand Names: Qualaquin · Quinamm · Quiphile · Qm-260 · Quin-Amino and more
Drug Class: Antimalarials
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Medical uses
Side effects
Interactions
Contraindications
Varieties
- Today, people sometimes drink tonic water to treat nighttime leg cramps associated with circulatory or nervous system problems. However, this treatment is not recommended. Quinine is still given in in small doses to treat malaria in tropical regions. Quinines primary benefit is for the treatment of malaria. Its not used to prevent malaria, but rath...
Uses
- 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:
Risks
- Keep in mind that these reactions are primarily linked to quinine, the medication. You would have to drink about two liters of tonic water a day to consume a days dose of quinine in pill form.
Benefits
- If youve had a bad reaction to tonic water or quinine in the past, you should not try it again. You may also be advised against taking quinine or drinking tonic water if you:
Health
- While a gin and tonic and vodka and tonic are staples at any bar, tonic water is becoming a more versatile beverage. Its now mixed with tequila, brandy, and just about any other alcoholic beverage. Citrus flavors are often added, so if you see the term bitter lemon or bitter lime, you know the drink includes tonic water with a sour fruit flavor added.
History
- However, tonic water isnt just used to mix with spirits. Chefs may include tonic water in batter when frying seafood or in desserts that also include gin and other liquors.
Management
- If tonic water is your mixer of choice, youre probably safe to have a little now and then. But dont drink it thinking it will cure nighttime leg cramps or conditions such as restless leg syndrome. The science isnt there for tonic water or quinine to treat these conditions. See a doctor instead and explore other options. But if youre traveling to a part of the world where malaria is still a threat, a…
Uses
Properties
Marketing
- The quinine has medicinal significance. Dating back in the ancient period precisely in the 16th century, quinine was used to treat malaria by British troops invading Africa at the colonial period. It gained popularity for it s ability to ward off malaria back then. The tonic water still to date has some quinine extracts dissolved in it. Though it is primarily used to add the bitter taste to tonic d…
Treatment
- Little information has been provided on the claims that tonic water is able to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. The hearsay cannot be scientifically proven and it will be imprudent to recommend tonic water for such condition.
Diet
- The tonic water besides being beneficial in the field of health, tonic water is known to be a perfect mixer of gins and vodka. This has been attributed to the presence of quinine which gives the bitter taste.