Quinine Dihydrochloride
Quinine Dihydrochloride is an antimalarial medication primarily administered parenterally (via slow intravenous infusion) for the emergency treatment of severe or drug-resistant malaria. It acts rapidly against erythrocytic schizonts of malaria parasites. Due to risk of cardiotoxicity, QTc prolongation, and severe hypoglycemia, it requires close medical supervision and monitoring of blood glucose levels and cardiac rhythm during administration.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be administered under strict medical supervision. Usually initiated with a loading dose of 20 mg/kg body weight infused over 4 hours, followed by maintenance doses of 10 mg/kg infused over 4 hours every 8 hours. Dosages must be adjusted in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine / Specialized calculation required
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed and closely monitored
- Tracking Notes
- Administer 10 mg/kg via slow IV infusion over 4 hours. High risk of hypoglycemia.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 50 mg to 70 mg
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Administer via slow intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Dilute in 5% dextrose or normal saline.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 80 mg to 100 mg
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Administer via slow intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Monitor blood glucose closely.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 110 mg to 150 mg
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Administer via slow intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Switch to oral quinine as soon as the patient can tolerate it.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 160 mg to 200 mg
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Administer via slow intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Ensure ECG monitoring is available.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine / Specialized calculation required | Use only if prescribed and closely monitored | Administer 10 mg/kg via slow IV infusion over 4 hours. High risk of hypoglycemia. |
| 5-7 kg | 50 mg to 70 mg | Every 8 hours | Administer via slow intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Dilute in 5% dextrose or normal saline. |
| 8-10 kg | 80 mg to 100 mg | Every 8 hours | Administer via slow intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Monitor blood glucose closely. |
| 11-15 kg | 110 mg to 150 mg | Every 8 hours | Administer via slow intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Switch to oral quinine as soon as the patient can tolerate it. |
| 16-20 kg | 160 mg to 200 mg | Every 8 hours | Administer via slow intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Ensure ECG monitoring is available. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of severe, complicated, or chloroquine-resistant malaria (specifically Plasmodium falciparum) when oral therapy is not feasible.
Generic Name
Quinine DihydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Quinine Dihydrochloride is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.