Quinine

Other names: Qualaquin

Commonly prescribed for: Quinine can be used alone or combined with other medications for treating malaria (a life-threatening illness caused due to mosquitoes in some parts of the world). This medication can also be used for treating babesiosis (life-threatening illness, normally spread from animals to human beings by ticks). It is commonly used with other medications.

How to take it: Quinine is available in the form of a capsule to be taken via mouth. This medication is normally taken 3 times every day for every 8 hours for a period of 7 days. Do not chew or crush the capsules, instead swallow the capsules completely. Take this medication as prescribed, around the same time daily.

How it works: Quinine belongs to a group of drugs known as antimalarials. This medication works to kill the organisms, which leads to malaria.

Side effects: Common side effects include nausea, nervousness, restlessness, confusion, and ringing in the ears. Some serious side effects include rash, chest pain, hives, changes in heartbeat, itching, sore throat, hoarseness, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dark or tarry tools, inflammation of the face, lips, hands, or lower legs, blood in the urine, fever, unusual bleeding, blisters, easy bruising, stomach pain, inability to hear, vomiting, and changes in color vision.