Quinine Dihydrochloride Injection 600mg/2ml (10 Ampoules)

Quinine Dihydrochloride Injection is a critical antimalarial medication used to treat severe or complicated malaria, particularly cases involving Plasmodium falciparum. In the Nigerian healthcare system, it is a primary alternative for managing life-threatening infections and cerebral malaria when first-line treatments like injectable Artesunate are unavailable or unsuitable.

Each pack contains 10 sterile 2ml ampoules, with each ampoule providing 600mg of Quinine Dihydrochloride.

Indications and Uses

This medication is specifically indicated for:

• Severe Malaria: For patients unable to tolerate oral drugs due to persistent vomiting or unconsciousness.
• Cerebral Malaria: Management of malaria affecting the central nervous system.
• Drug-Resistant Malaria: Treatment of malaria strains resistant to other common agents.

Administration Guidelines

Quinine injection must only be administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a hospital setting.

• Dilution: The concentrated 600mg/2ml solution is highly acidic. It must be diluted in a 5% Dextrose (Glucose) solution or Normal Saline before administration.
• Slow IV Infusion: It must be given as a slow intravenous infusion over at least 4 hours. Rapid injection is dangerous and can lead to cardiovascular toxicity.
• IM Injection: While deep intramuscular injection is possible in emergencies, it is generally discouraged due to the risk of tissue damage or sterile abscesses.

Side Effects and Safety

• Cinchonism: Patients may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headache, dizziness, or blurred vision. These symptoms typically resolve after treatment.
• Hypoglycemia: Quinine can stimulate insulin release, leading to low blood sugar. This is why it is usually administered with a Dextrose infusion.
• Pregnancy: Quinine Injection is considered safe for treating severe malaria in pregnant women when monitored by a doctor, especially during the first trimester.

For more information on malaria treatment or to confirm the latest price of Quinine injection in Nigeria, you can contact a GoMed pharmacist.