QUESTION

What are the side effects of quinine?

ANSWER

The main side effect of quinine, in therapeutic doses, is cinchonism or quinism. This is a condition associated with a number of symptoms, including flushed/sweaty skin, tinnitus, confusion, headaches, and more.

Mild cinchonism should not be a reason to cease treatment with quinine, however. If injected into a nerve, quinine can cause paralysis, and is an extremely potent poison if overdosed. In some cases, quinine can lead to constipation, erectile dysfunction and/or diarrhea. There are few side effects associated with oral quinine.

If you have taken medications for malaria, please help Malaria.com by taking our Malaria Medication Side-effects Survey: Treatment and Prophylaxis. Thank you!