Quinine

Natural health supplements sometimes have unexpected side effects or interactions with medication that can lead to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening. The following is a list of cautions that you should be aware of before using Quinine. These are referred to as drug/herb interactions.

Warning 1 - Contraindications: Pregnancy

Warning 2 - Acetazolamide: May lead to toxicity when used with acetazolamide. Experts recommend avoiding concurrent use.

Warning 3 - Aluminum salts: May cause a decrease in the absorption of quinine.

Warning 4 - Anticoagulants: May increase bleeding when used concurrently with anticoagulants. Experts recommend avoiding concurrent use.

Warning 5 - Cardiac glycosides: Quinine may increase the action of cardiac glycosides. Experts recommend avoiding concurrent use.

Warning 6 - Magnesium: May cause a decrease in the absorption of quinine.

Warning 7 - Neuromuscular blockers: Quinine may increase the action of neuromuscular blockers. Experts recommend avoiding concurrent use.

Warning 8 - Sodium bicarbonate: Used with quinine may lead to toxicity. Experts recommend avoiding concurrent use.

Warning 9 - Drug tests: Those who are subject to urine drug screens should be aware that quinine can cause a positive result for opiates.

Used as a natural health remedy: Quinine is the main ingredient in Tonic water. It is used internally for the following benefits:

anti-inflammatory
anti-malarial drug
arthritis relief
headache relief
muscle relaxant
normalize heart functions
prevent hair loss
reduce heart palpitations
reduces shivering, even from cold weather
relief from lower back pain
relief from nocturnal leg cramps
stimulate digestion and appetite
for its astringent, bactericidal, and anesthetic actions

Side Effects of Quinine

The most common side effects are

dizziness
flushing
headache
nausea
sweating

A rare SEVERE reaction is also possible with the use of quinine. Seek medical attention right away if any of the following symptoms occur while using Quinine:

allergic reactions symptoms include rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, unusual hoarseness
back pain
black, tarry, or bloody stools
bleeding, unusual
blindness or other unusual vision changes
blurred vision
bruising, unusual
changes in how you see color
chest pain
chills
cold sweat
confusion
dark or bloody urine
decreased amount of urine or trouble urinating
diarrhea
dizziness, severe
double vision
fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
fatigue
fever
flushing
hearing loss
light sensitivity
lightheadedness
loss of appetite
low blood sugar symptoms (anxiety, dizziness, fast heartbeat, headache, tremors, unusual sweating)
mood or mental problems
muscle weakness
nausea
nervousness
nosebleed, severe
pale skin
personality changes
purple, brown, or red spots on your skin
red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
ringing in the ears
seizures
sore throat
speech problems
stomach pain
tiredness or weakness
vomiting
yellowing of the eyes or skin

Quinine may also have other side effects not listed. (See form below) If you are taking any prescription medication, check with your doctor before using quinine.

As with any herb, a serious allergic reaction is possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. These may include a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Return to the Herb List.

For questions and answers about the side effects of herbs see the Herb Forum

If you find this page useful share it with others. Use the form below to add a side effect not listed or comments about Quinine. Please note that all addresses are held confidential.

Thanks for stopping by.
AskDocWeb

This consumer advocate website is protected by copyright © 2011 Askdocweb, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This is a layman's report on Quinine and is not intended to replace discussions with a health care provider. Do not use the information on this forum as a substitute for your doctor's advice. Always consult your doctor before taking any drug and follow your doctor's directions. Source material: Food and Drug Administration, Medline, Physician's Desk Reference, and the largest community of people in the world, those who are concerned about side effects and healthcare.