Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NORPACE versus QUALAQUIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NORPACE versus QUALAQUIN.
NORPACE vs QUALAQUIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Class Ic antiarrhythmic agent; blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, slowing conduction velocity and prolonging refractory periods in cardiac tissue.
Quinine is a cinchona alkaloid that acts as a blood schizonticide against Plasmodium species. It inhibits heme polymerase in the parasite, leading to accumulation of toxic heme and parasite death. It also has weak gametocytocidal activity against P. vivax and P. malariae.
150 mg orally every 6 hours (maximum 300 mg per dose), extended-release formulation 300 mg every 12 hours.
325-650 mg orally every 6 hours as needed for pain; maximum 2.6 g/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 6-8 hours (normal renal function); prolonged in renal impairment (up to 24 hours).
Terminal elimination half-life approximately 8 hours in healthy adults; prolonged in hepatic impairment (up to 12-18 hours) and severe malaria (up to 14-20 hours).
Renal: 40-60% unchanged; biliary/fecal: minor (10-20%).
Renal (approximately 20% unchanged; remainder as metabolites); biliary/fecal (minor).
Category C
Category C
Antiarrhythmic (Class Ia)
Antiarrhythmic (Class Ia)