Application

Quinine hydrochloride dihydrate has been used in Drosophila larval behavioral assay. It has also been used in taste preference analysis among rats.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Potassium channel blocker

Quinine is widely used in the treatment of malaria. It possesses erythrocytic and gametocytocidal action against Plasmodium sp. It also serves as an analgesic drug. Upon administration, quinine is present mostly bound to α-1 acid glycoprotein in the body fluids. Quinine has the ability to cross the placenta and the blood brain barrier. It has a half-life of 11-18 hours. Tinnitus, hearing defects, nausea and headache are some of its side effects.

General description

Quinine is derived from the stem of cinchona (quina-quina) tree. It is an alkaloid having various applications in the field of medicine. Quinine is a basic compound with aryl amino alcohol group.