No images found for this plant ID: 10513.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "10513" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
quinine
Scientific Name: Cinchona officinalis
Family: Rubiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Quinine: An Overview
Quinine is a medication primarily known for its use in preventing and treating malaria, particularly malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is also used to treat babesiosis.
Considerations for Pets
- Quinine is a bitter-tasting compound.
Common Uses and Applications
- Malaria Treatment: Historically and presently, quinine is a key drug in combating malaria. It works by killing the parasites transmitted through mosquito bites.
- Treatment for Babesiosis: Quinine is also employed in the treatment of babesiosis.
- Fever Reducer and Painkiller: Traditionally, quinine has been used for its fever-reducing and painkilling properties.
- Ingredient in Tonic Water: Quinine imparts the characteristic bitterness to tonic water.
Botanical Source
- Quinine is derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. The brand name Fever-Tree refers to the colloquial name of the cinchona tree.
- Cinchona, or quinine bark, is recognized as one of the rainforest's most famous and important discoveries.
Pharmacological Information
- Quinine sulphate belongs to a group of medicines called anti-protozoal agents.
- It can be administered in tablet form (200 mg, 300 mg base as sulfate) or as an injection (150 mg, 300 mg base as dihydrochloride per ml in 2-ml ampoule).
- Quinine is classified as an antimalarial agent (P01B ANTIMALARIALS P01BC Methanolquinolines P01BC01 Quinine).
Historical Context
- Quinine has been used for nearly 400 years as an effective anti-malarial drug.
- The use of cinchona bark as a malaria treatment dates back to the 17th century.
- During the Civil War, commanders often required soldiers to take quinine prophylactically.
Adverse Effects and Contraindications
- Quinine may cause serious and life-threatening bleeding problems.
- It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to quinine or any of the excipients in the tablet, in tinnitus or optic neuritis.
Quirky Facts
- A new gin is celebrating the spirit's historic role in keeping the British Empire healthy by using quinine as an ingredient and supporting a charity.
Further Information
- Patient medical information for quinine oral can be found on WebMD.
- Consumer information about Quinine Sulfate (Qualaquin) is available.
- More product-specific information, including CAS, MSDS, protocols, and references, can be found at Sigma-Aldrich.
- Detailed annotation of the targets of licensed and experimental drugs is available in The IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology.