Quinine Dihydrochloride Injection 600mg/2ml
Quinine Dihydrochloride Injection is a potent antimalarial medication used primarily for the treatment of severe or complicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. In Nigeria, it remains a critical second-line treatment when oral medications cannot be tolerated or when the patient suffers from cerebral malaria.
This medication is provided as a sterile solution containing 600mg of Quinine Dihydrochloride in each 2ml ampoule.
Key Benefits and Uses
- Severe Malaria Treatment: Used when patients are unable to take oral antimalarials due to vomiting or altered consciousness.
- Drug-Resistant Strains: Effective against malaria parasites that have developed resistance to other common antimalarials like chloroquine.
- Rapid Parasite Clearance: Helps quickly reduce the parasite load in the bloodstream during critical cases.
Administration and Dosage
Quinine Dihydrochloride is a highly concentrated solution that requires careful handling.
- Administration:
- Must be administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
- Slow IV Infusion: The medication must be diluted (typically in 5% Dextrose or Normal Saline) and infused slowly over a period of 4 hours.
- Important: Direct intravenous (IV) bolus injection is strictly contraindicated as it can lead to dangerous cardiac complications.
- Dosage:
- The dosage is typically based on the patient's body weight (mg/kg).
- A loading dose is often followed by maintenance doses every 8 hours until the patient can transition to oral therapy.
Precautions and Side Effects
- Cinchonism: A common set of side effects associated with quinine, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), headache, nausea, and blurred vision.
- Hypoglycemia: Quinine can stimulate insulin release, potentially leading to low blood sugar. Monitoring of blood glucose levels is often necessary.
- Cardiac Health: Use with extreme caution in patients with heart rhythm disorders.
- Pregnancy: Quinine is generally considered safe for use in pregnant women with severe malaria under medical supervision, particularly in the first trimester.
Storage and Handling
Store the ampoules below 30°C and protect them from direct light. Do not freeze the solution. Once diluted for infusion, it should be used immediately.
If you have questions about malaria treatment or medication availability, you can contact a GoMed pharmacist for professional guidance.