Philoquin Injection Solution for injection (Quinine Dihydrochloride) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Quinine Dihydrochloride is an antimalarial drug given by injection to treat severe malaria. It works by killing the malaria parasites in your blood, especially when the malaria is too serious for tablets to handle.

What is it used for?

Severe malariacomplicated malaria (when the person is vomitingunconsciousor very weak and cannot swallow tablets)

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Malaria Muscle Cramps & Spasms

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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How to take this drug

This drug is given by injection in a hospital or clinic — it is NOT for self-administration at home. A doctor or nurse will dilute it in a drip (IV fluid) and give it slowly into your vein over 4 hours. The usual adult dose is 20 mg per kg body weight as a first dose, then 10 mg per kg every 8 hours. Once you can swallow, the doctor will switch you to oral quinine tablets to complete 7 days of treatment.

What if I Miss a Dose?

Since this drug is given in a hospital by medical staff, missed doses are unlikely. If there is any delay, the medical team will adjust the timing. Do not try to double up the dose.

What to watch out for

This injection must only be given in a hospital or clinic by trained health workers — never buy it and inject yourself or let an untrained person give it to you. Make sure the drip runs slowly as directed; giving quinine too fast through the vein can cause fatal heart problems. Always insist on a malaria test before treatment — not every fever is malaria.

Common Side Effects

Ringing or buzzing in the ears (called 'cinchonism')
blurred vision or difficulty seeing clearly
nausea or vomiting
dizziness or lightheadedness
headache

Serious Side Effects

Sudden drop in blood sugar (you may feel very weak
shaky
or sweaty — this is common and dangerous
especially in pregnant women and children)
irregular heartbeat or chest pain (can be life-threatening if the injection is given too fast)
severe allergic reaction with rash
swelling
or difficulty breathing.

Drug Interactions

Mefloquine (another antimalarial) — taking both together can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. Digoxin (heart medicine) — quinine can increase digoxin levels in your blood and cause toxicity. Avoid alcohol while on quinine as it can worsen low blood sugar and side effects.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Quinine Dihydrochloride can be used in pregnancy for severe malaria because untreated severe malaria is far more dangerous to both mother and baby, but it must be given under strict medical supervision in a hospital with regular blood sugar monitoring.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to quinine or have had a serious reaction to it before
people with a history of a blood condition called blackwater fever
people with a heart condition that causes irregular heartbeat (long QT syndrome)
and people with a condition called G6PD deficiency (a blood disorder common in some Nigerians) should use it with extreme caution.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. In hot Nigerian weather, store below 30°C if possible. Discard any opened or unused ampoules — do not save them for later.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Philoquin Injection