quinine

Quinine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the bark of the cinchona tree and is primarily used as an antimalarial drug. It is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by *Plasmodium falciparum*, especially in cases where resistance to other antimalarials such as chloroquine exists[1][3][5]. Quinine may also be used to treat babesiosis. Its mechanism of action involves interfering with the parasite's ability to metabolize hemoglobin by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, protein synthesis, and glycolysis in *Plasmodium* species[6][7]. The most widely accepted hypothesis suggests that quinine inhibits hemozoin biocrystallization in the parasite’s food vacuole, leading to accumulation of cytotoxic heme and subsequent death of the parasite[7][8]. Quinine has also been historically used as a mild antipyretic and analgesic but is not approved for nocturnal leg cramps due to safety concerns[2].

Brand names

QualaquinQuinammQuinbisul

Other names

quinine hydrochloridequinine HCl