A white alkaloid sometimes used as an adulterant in street heroin.
An alkaloid drug made from the bark of cinchona, a South American tree.
A compound useful in malaria treatment.
Antimalarial with antipyretic and analgesic properties. Adverse effects include tinnitus, deafness, visual disturbances, gastrointestinal upsets, blood disorders, and hypersensitivity reactions.
An antimalarial drug. Quinine works by disrupting the parasite’s ability to reproduce itself in red blood cells. The drug is also useful for treating leg muscle cramps that occur at night when a person is in bed.
A drug formerly used to prevent and treat malaria, now largely replaced by more effective less toxic drugs. It is administered by mouth or injection; large doses can cause severe poisoning, symptoms of which include headache, fever, vomiting, confusion, and damage to the eyes and ears.
An alkaloid obtained from the bark of various species of cinchona trees. This bark is mainly derived from Peru and neighbouring parts of South America and the East Indies. Other alkaloids and acid substances are also derived from cinchona bark, such as quinidine and cinchonine.
Quinine, an early therapeutic approach for combating malaria, is derived from the bark of the Cinchona tree and is classified as a natural substance. Its popularity endured until the emergence of chloroquine in the 1940s, which surpassed its usage. However, due to the widespread development of resistance to chloroquine, quinine has once again gained favor as a treatment option. In cases of severe Falciparum malaria, quinine, or its close relative quinidine, can be administered intravenously to provide effective relief.
The most ancient medicinal remedy for malaria, quinine is primarily administered in substantial amounts to address strains that have developed resistance to alternative antimalarial drugs. However, this approach carries a significant potential for adverse effects, including headaches, nausea, tinnitus, hearing impairment, and disruptions in vision. Additionally, quinine is sometimes prescribed in minimal quantities to alleviate nighttime leg cramps, with the occurrence of side effects in this context being rare.
Quinine is an alkaloid derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. It has the capability to destroy malaria parasites and halt their attacks. Commonly used in treatments for colds and the flu, quinine can reduce fever. It’s also recommended as a tonic during recovery, and when consumed in tablet form at night, it can prevent leg muscle cramps. Interestingly, quinine tablets have been employed to bolster the skin’s resilience against sunburn, though the reason for this protective effect against ultraviolet rays remains unclear. Today, its most widespread application is in the production of “tonic water.” While quinine continues to be used for malaria treatment, many synthetic alternatives have largely taken its place. For a historical perspective on quinine, refer to the section on Cinchona.