Quinine Dihydrochloride Injection

QUINTIV Quinine Dihydrochloride injection is used for:

1. Treatment of Severe Malaria: Quinine Dihydrochloride is primarily used to treat severe or complicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, particularly in situations where oral therapy is not feasible. It is often used in regions where malaria is resistant to other antimalarial drugs.

2. Treatment of Nocturnal Leg Cramps (Rare Use): Although less common and generally discouraged due to potential side effects, quinine has been used in some cases to relieve nocturnal leg cramps when other treatments have failed. However, this use is limited and not recommended as a first-line treatment due to the risk of serious adverse effects.

 Mechanism of Action:

Quinine works by interfering with the parasite's ability to digest hemoglobin within red blood cells. It inhibits the polymerization of heme into hemozoin, a non-toxic substance. As a result, toxic heme accumulates within the parasite, leading to its death. This mechanism makes quinine effective against the blood stage of the malaria parasite, which is responsible for the symptoms of malaria. 

Because of its potential side effects, such as cardiac toxicity (QT prolongation) and hypoglycemia, quinine is typically reserved for severe cases and administered under close medical supervision.