Quinine Dihydrochloride Injection 600mg/2ml (10 Ampoules)

Quinine Dihydrochloride Injection is a vital antimalarial medication used for treating severe or complicated malaria, especially cases involving Plasmodium falciparum. In the Nigerian healthcare system, while injectable Artesunate is often the first choice, Quinine remains a critical alternative for managing life-threatening malaria infections and cerebral malaria.

Each pack contains 10 sterile ampoules, with each 2ml ampoule providing 600mg of Quinine Dihydrochloride.

Uses of Quinine Injection

This medication is specifically indicated for:

• Severe Malaria: When patients are unable to tolerate oral drugs due to persistent vomiting.
• Cerebral Malaria: Managing malaria that has affected the brain or central nervous system.
• Drug-Resistant Malaria: Treating strains of malaria that do not respond to other common treatments.

How to Administer Quinine Injection

Important: This medication must only be administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic setting.

1. Dilution: The concentrated 600mg/2ml solution is highly acidic and must be diluted before use. It is typically added to a 5% Dextrose (Glucose) solution or Normal Saline.
2. IV Infusion: It must be given as a slow intravenous infusion over a period of at least 4 hours.
3. Contraindications: Direct IV bolus injection is strictly prohibited as it can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems or a sudden drop in blood pressure.
4. IM Injection: While sometimes used as a deep intramuscular injection in emergencies where IV is not possible, this is generally discouraged due to the risk of tissue damage or sterile abscesses.

Side Effects and Precautions

• Cinchonism: Patients may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headache, dizziness, nausea, or blurred vision. These symptoms usually resolve once the medication is stopped.
• Low Blood Sugar: Quinine can stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, which may lead to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is why it is often administered with a Dextrose infusion.
• Pregnancy Safety: Quinine Injection is considered safe for use in pregnant women for the treatment of severe malaria when prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

If you have questions about malaria treatment or need to verify the price of Quinine injection in Nigeria, you can contact a GoMed pharmacist for professional guidance.