How It Works
Quinidine gluconate inhibits or destroys the parasites in blood that cause malaria.

It is given through a needle directly into a vein (intravenously, or IV).

To treat malaria, quinidine gluconate is given intravenously for a maximum of 7 days.

Why It Is Used
Quinidine gluconate is taken for severe malaria infection if:
You cannot take oral antimalarial medications.
You have serious complications (such as heart or kidney failure).
The percentage of red blood cells infected (density of parasites) is greater than 5% and the infection is very severe.

How Well It Works
Quinidine gluconate is effective in the treatment of severe Plasmodium falciparum infections.

Side Effects
Side effects of quinidine gluconate include:
Abnormally low concentration of sugar in the blood (hypoglycemia).
Nausea.
Blurred vision.
Headache.
Abdominal pain.
Ringing in the ears, temporary loss of hearing.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About
Intravenous (IV) quinidine gluconate should be discontinued as soon as the person is able to take oral medications.