Quinine Sulphate For The Treatment Of Malaria

The most dangerous disease was once incurable, but as the medical science developed, we get a perfect cure for it, it is caused by just a bite of a little insect called mosquito, and yes you are right we are talking about malaria. This is curable by a drug called Quinine sulphate, Quinine belongs to a group of medications called the antimalarials. It is used to treat an established malarial infection.Malaria is caused by an organism which classed as protozoa and is a parasite which is carried by mosquitoes. During a bite from a mosquito, the parasite passes into the body. Once inside, it lives and reproduces. This results in the infection known as malaria.

In the blood, malaria parasites break down a part of the red blood cells known as haemoglobin. When this happens haemoglobin is divided into two parts; haem and globin. Haem is toxic to the malaria parasite. To prevent it from being damaged, the malaria parasite produces a chemical which converts the toxic haem into a non-toxic compound. Quinine binds to the genetic material (DNA) of the parasite. DNA is responsible for copying the genetic material which is vital for the replication of the parasite. When quinine binds to DNA this copying process is prevented. This inhibits the reproduction of the parasite and therefore controls the infection allowing the person to recover. Quinine is usually used in the treatment of a type of malaria known as falciparum malaria.

Let us look upon some specifications:
Warning!
1) In cases of overdose, seek immediate advice from a doctor
2) Blood glucose should be monitored during intravenous treatment.

Use with caution in
1) Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)
2) Irregular heartbeat caused by very rapid contraction of the top two chambers of the heart (atrial fibrillation)

Not to be used in
1) Blood present in urine (haematuria)
2) Inflammation of the nerve carrying signals from the eye to the brain causing blurred vision (Optic neuritis)

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
1) This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
2) This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Side effects:
The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
1) Rash
2) Nausea
3) Low blood glucose level (hypoglycaemia)
4) Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)
5) Sensation of ringing, or other noise in the ears (tinnitus)
6) Flushing
7) Headache
8) Confusion
9) Blood disorders
10) Visual disturbances

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

MOST IMPRTANTLY: Be careful Quinine is very toxic in overdose.