Alpaquine: A Brand of Quinine Sulfate for Malaria

What it is

Alpaquine is a brand of quinine sulfate, a cinchona alkaloid antimalarial drug. It is available as 300 mg tablets and is registered with NAFDAC under number B4-6010. Quinine sulfate works against the malaria parasite and is used when resistance to other antimalarials like chloroquine is documented.

What it's used for

Alpaquine is indicated only for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. It is not approved for severe or complicated malaria, prevention of malaria, or for the treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps.

How it's taken

Alpaquine tablets are taken orally. The dose and duration are determined by a doctor based on the patient's condition. It is typically taken every 8 hours for 7 days in adults, but the exact regimen may vary. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions exactly.

Common side effects

Almost all patients taking quinine experience some degree of a symptom cluster called cinchonism. This may include headache, facial flushing and sweating, nausea, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, vertigo or dizziness, blurred vision, disturbance in colour perception, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and in rare cases, deafness, blindness, or heart rhythm problems. Report any side effects to your doctor.

Important cautions

Alpaquine is not safe for everyone. It is contraindicated in people with a prolonged QT interval, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, myasthenia gravis, optic neuritis, or known allergy to quinine, mefloquine, or quinidine. Serious side effects include thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and life-threatening heart rhythm changes. Avoid taking it with rifampin. Do not use for leg cramps. Always tell your doctor about your medical history and other medicines.

Frequently asked questions