Quinine sulfate: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side effects

Chemical formula:

• C20H24N2O2 (quinine) and H2SO4 (sulfate)

Structure of Quinine

Mechanism of action:

• Quinine inhibits the detoxification of heme within the Plasmodium food vacuole, leading to the accumulation of toxic heme, which damages the parasite.

Uses:

• Quinine sulfate is used to treat uncomplicated malaria, particularly in cases of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum.

• It may also be used to treat severe or complicated malaria in combination with other drugs.

Side effects:

• Dizziness

• Headache

• tinnitus,

• nausea

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• abdominal pain

• and visual disturbances.

• Severe side effects include QT interval prolongation, severe hypoglycemia, and allergic reactions.