In the pharmaceutical industry, Quinine Sulphate 200 mg is a specialized Cinchona alkaloid that has served as a cornerstone of antimalarial therapy for centuries. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view this 200 mg strength as a high-potency agent primarily reserved for resistant strains of malaria and specific muscular conditions.
At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, Quinine Sulphate is a critical “Legacy SKU” for export to regions with high rates of Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum.
Primary Clinical Indications
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Chloroquine-Resistant Malaria: Used primarily to treat uncomplicated malaria caused by P. falciparum when other first-line treatments are unavailable or unsuitable.
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Nocturnal Leg Cramps: Historically used to reduce the frequency and severity of night-time leg cramps in adults (though this use is now restricted in many regions due to safety profiles).
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Babesiosis: Occasionally used in combination with Clindamycin to treat this tick-borne parasitic infection.
Mechanism: Shizonticidal Action
Quinine works by disrupting the life cycle of the malaria parasite within the human red blood cell.
Heme Polymerization Inhibition: Like other quinolines, it interferes with the parasite’s ability to detoxify heme (a byproduct of hemoglobin digestion). The buildup of toxic heme effectively poisons the parasite.
DNA Interaction: It binds with the parasite’s DNA, preventing replication and further infection of red blood cells.
Skeletal Muscle Effect: For leg cramps, it acts by increasing the refractory period of the muscle fibers and decreasing the excitability of the motor end-plate.
The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”
As you promote your firm on digital platforms, providing these safety nuances is essential for clinical authority:
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Cinchonism: This is a unique cluster of side effects specific to Quinine. At 200 mg, patients may experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), blurred vision, headache, and nausea.
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QT Prolongation: Quinine can affect heart rhythm. It must be used with extreme caution in patients with pre-existing heart conditions or those taking other medications that affect the QT interval.
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Hematologic Alert: It can cause rare but severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Any sign of unusual bruising or bleeding requires immediate cessation of the drug.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export
From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:
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The “Antimalarial Anchor” USP: On your marketplace, market Quinine 200 mg as an “Essential Reserve Antimalarial.” While ACTs (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies) are first-line, Quinine remains vital for treatment failures in international health tenders.
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Stability for Export: Quinine is stable but highly light-sensitive (photo-degradation occurs quickly). Utilizing Amber-colored PVDC or Alu-Alu blister packaging is mandatory to ensure a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions.
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Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers for Quinine Sulphate BP/USP/IP to support your firm’s registration in African and Southeast Asian health tenders.