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Quinine sulfate

Chemical Structure / Formula of Quinine sulfate

  • Formula: C20H24N2O2 · H2SO4

  • Structure: A quinoline nucleus with an attached quinuclidine ring.

Chemical Structure of Quinine Sulfate

Mechanism of Action

  • Interferes with heme polymerization in the malaria parasite, leading to toxic heme accumulation and parasite death.

  • Also interferes with DNA synthesis in Plasmodium spp.

Uses

  • Severe malaria (especially against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum).

  • Nocturnal leg cramps (off-label).

Side Effects

  • Cinchonism (tinnitus, dizziness, headache, nausea).

  • Hypoglycemia (stimulates insulin release).

  • Hemolysis in G6PD deficiency (Blackwater fever).

  • QT prolongation (cardiac toxicity).


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