Quinine
Quinine is an antimalarial medication derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, used to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites. While it has largely been replaced by newer antimalarials, it remains an important option for treating chloroquine-resistant malaria and severe cases requiring intravenous administration.
Quinine is a traditional antimalarial used to treat malaria, particularly drug-resistant strains.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P01BC01
- RxNorm
- 9068
- Generic
- Quinine
- Class
- atc-p01
- Brands
- Qualaquin
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 11
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 8
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, oral solution
- Regions
- United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, Brazil
- Monitoring
- electrocardiogram, blood glucose, complete blood count, hepatic enzymes, renal function
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Quinine is primarily used to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and other Plasmodium species, especially in cases of chloroquine resistance. It is also occasionally used to treat babesiosis and, less commonly, nocturnal leg cramps.
Quinine interferes with the parasite's ability to metabolize hemoglobin by accumulating in the acidic food vacuoles of malaria-infected red blood cells, where it inhibits hemozoin crystallization and causes toxic buildup of heme products that kills the parasite.
Quinine can cause serious side effects including cinchonism (tinnitus, headache, nausea, visual disturbances), cardiac arrhythmias, and hypoglycemia. It should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, and requires careful monitoring of cardiac function and blood glucose levels during IV administration.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy