Qualaquin

Qualaquin is a medicine used to treat malaria.

How does this medication work?

Qualaquin is thought to work by inhibiting the growth of plasmodium falciparum (the parasite that causes malaria).

What are the beneficial effects of this medication and when should I begin to have results?

What: Qualaquin has been shown to be effective in treating malaria.

When: Everyone responds differently to treatment, so try to be patient and follow your healthcare provider’s directions. It is important that you take Qualaquin exactly as your healthcare provider has prescribed.

How do I know it is working?

You may feel an improvement in your symptoms once you begin taking Qualaquin. This is a good indicator that your medication is working. Your healthcare provider may ask you questions to assess how well your symptoms are controlled.

The following is not a full list of side effects. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Only your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

Qualaquin, when used to treat or prevent leg cramps, may cause serious, life-threatening side effects, including serious blood problems.

More common side effects may include: headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, sweating, flushing, nausea, ringing in your ears, deafness, hearing loss, blurred vision, changes in how you see color, blindness.

Less common side effects may include:

Low platelet (a type of blood cells that form clots to help stop bleeding) counts with symptoms such as bleeding, easy bruising, nose bleeds, blood in your urine or stool, bleeding gums, or the appearance of unusual purple, brown, or red spots on your skin.

Heart rhythm problems with symptoms such as rapid or irregular heart beat.

Serious allergic reactions with symptoms such as rash, hives, severe itching, swelling of your face, or trouble breathing.

Low blood sugar levels with symptoms such as weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or confusion.

Do not take Qualaquin if you are allergic to it, any of its ingredients, or to other similar medicines (such as mefloquine or quinidine) or if you had a serious side effect from prior quinine treatment.

Do not take Qualaquin if you have optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve that causes blurring, graying, or loss of vision).

Do not take Qualaquin if you have myasthenia gravis (loss of muscular control).

Do not take Qualaquin if you have glucose-6-phosphate deficiency (lack of an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of red blood cells).

Do not take Qualaquin if you have certain heart rhythm problems or abnormal electrocardiogram.

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Qualaquin. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your healthcare provider uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your healthcare provider's approval.

Adults and adolescents ≥16 years: The recommended dose is 2 capsules every 8 hours for 7 days. Do not take more than 2 capsules at one time or more than 3 doses in one day.

If you have kidney impairment, your healthcare provider may adjust your dose as necessary.

Take Qualaquin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Take Qualaquin with food to reduce stomach upset.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel worse, or if you do not start feeling better within 1-2 days of starting to take Qualaquin.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a fever after finishing treatment with Qualaquin.

Do not skip doses or stop taking Qualaquin even if you start feeling better without first talking to your healthcare provider.

If Qualaquin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Qualaquin may interact with numerous medications. Therefore, it is very important that you tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking.

The effects of Qualaquin during pregnancy or breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

If you miss a dose of Qualaquin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it has been more than 4 hours since the missed dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Store at room temperature.

In the event of a medical emergency call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. In the event of overdose, call your doctor or poison control for further instructions.
National Poison Control#: Call 1-800-222-1222

This PDR+ drug information has been developed by the Physicians’ Desk Reference Network (PDRN), a source of medication information trusted by doctors for over 65 years.

This monograph summarizes the most important information about your medication and does not cover all the information you may need. If you have any questions or concerns or want to learn more about your medication, ask your healthcare provider; he/she will be able to provide answers to your questions. This medication should only be used by the patient for whom it was prescribed and should not be shared with other people.

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