The drug, made from the bark of a quinine tree, has been used in Europe since the 17th century. This crushed bark was called the “countess powder” and was used to treat malaria. In modern times, this disease has become less common, and there are much more drugs. Now less often used drug "Quinine". What is it, even few people know.
What is quinine
This substance is an alkaloid of the cinchona bark. Quinine has a very bitter taste. Its ability to lower the temperature and fight malaria plasmodium has long been used to treat malaria. Now in medicine, quinine sulfate, chloride and dihydrochloride are used. This substance is soluble in ethanol and chloroform. Now available in powder and tablets, the drug "Quinine". What is it, patients with cardiovascular insufficiency know who this medicine is prescribed. There is also a solution of quinine dihydrochloride for injection. And in combination with analginum, it enhances the effect of the latter and effectively relieves headache.
Drug action
From the very beginning of the use of this tool, people knew about its beneficial properties. Powder of a quinine tree has such an effect on the body:
- effectively lowers temperature;
- reduces the effects of intoxication in febrile conditions;
- relieves pain;
- increases appetite due to stimulation of the production of gastric juice;
- has a weak sedative effect;
- increases the tone of the uterus ;
- normalizes the rhythm of the heart and reduces the excitability of the heart muscle.
But the most important property, because of which this drug has been popular for several hundred years, is its ability to destroy plasmodium malaria. Only the use of quinine helped to cope with malaria and reduce mortality from this disease.
There are negative effects of the drug. In large doses, Quinine can cause oppression of the auditory and optic nerves. And with intramuscular administration, tissue necrosis often occurs and an abscess may develop. Therefore, it is recommended to take the drug in tablets.
When applied
Malaria is now less common than before. And there are a lot of drugs for her treatment. Therefore, it is rarely used for malaria "Quinine". What is it, those patients who are not affected by other drugs will find out. With such resistant forms of malaria, only Quinine is now effective. Malarial plasmodia to this substance alone cannot develop resistance.
In addition, the drug is used in other cases:
- with weak labor to increase the tone of the uterus;
- in the postpartum period, it helps to treat uterine hypotension;
- in complex therapy of cardiovascular failure.
Contraindications and side effects of the drug
Although it is a natural product, it has a strong effect on the body. Quinine is rapidly absorbed, penetrates the blood, breast milk and internal organs. Due to its ability to influence the functioning of the heart, it is used with caution in case of impaired functioning of the heart muscle. A drug is contraindicated in such cases:
- during pregnancy and lactation;
- people with hearing loss and diseases of the inner ear;
- with hemorrhagic fever;
- with individual intolerance to quinine.
Especially dangerous is taking the drug with hypersensitivity. In this case, the drug "Quinine" can cause the breakdown of red blood cells, uterine bleeding, fever and even deterioration in malaria. And in ordinary patients, the drug can cause such side effects:
- nausea and vomiting
- tinnitus, dizziness;
- insomnia
- muscle tremors;
- urticaria, rash, and redness of the skin;
- tachycardia.
An overdose of the drug is very dangerous. It can cause tinnitus, impaired vision and depression of the central nervous system.
The drug "Quinine": instructions for use
Due to the severity of the action of the drug, it is most often used in hospital treatment. The drug can only be purchased by prescription, so it is not recommended to use it on your own. Severe forms of malaria are treated with quinine powder or tablets at 1.2-1.5 g per day. The daily dose is divided into 2-3 doses. Treatment lasts 5-7 days. In the most difficult cases, the drug is administered subcutaneously. Very rarely, intravenous administration of the drug is used - a 50% solution with glucose or sodium chloride. Such use of the drug can be fatal. The maximum daily dose for adults is 3 grams.
In heart failure, both Quinin is used for both adults and children. The instruction recommends combining it with other drugs: “Caffeine”, “Camphor” or “Ephedrine”. The dosage of the drug is calculated as follows: for babies up to one year - 10 mg per month of life, for children under 10 years old - 100 mg per year of life per day. Up to 15 years, the child is not recommended to inject because of the risk of tissue necrosis.
Apply "Quinine" and to stimulate labor. 100 mg every half hour is administered no more than 6 times. It is best to combine taking the drug with Oxytocin, Serotonin, or Estrogen.
"Analgin-quinine": indications
Powder of a quinine tree is a part of some products, for example, Shveps drink, shampoos for hair loss and medicines. Especially known pill for headache "Analgin-quinine."
What it is, not everyone knows now, as many new painkillers have appeared. But "Analgin-quinine" from inexpensive drugs (up to 100 rubles) occupies a special place. It has not only an analgesic effect, but also helps to lower temperatures and treat inflammatory processes. Therefore, most often the drug is prescribed for complications after operations, muscle and joint pain, or infectious and inflammatory diseases.