Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: PLAQUENIL versus QUININE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: PLAQUENIL versus QUININE.
PLAQUENIL vs Quinine
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Antimalarial and immunosuppressant; inhibits heme polymerase in Plasmodium, preventing conversion of toxic heme to hemozoin; also inhibits lysosomal function, antigen presentation, and cytokine production (e.g., IL-1, TNF-alpha) in autoimmune diseases.
Quinine is a cinchona alkaloid that acts as a blood schizonticide against Plasmodium falciparum. It inhibits heme polymerase, leading to accumulation of toxic heme, and disrupts parasite membrane integrity. It also has mild analgesic and antipyretic properties.
400 mg (310 mg base) orally daily, or 400 mg/day in divided doses; maintenance: 200-400 mg/day
Adults: 648 mg (2 capsules) orally every 8 hours for 7 days for uncomplicated chloroquine-resistant malaria, typically used in combination with other antimalarials.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateQuinine + Gatifloxacin
"Quinine may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Gatifloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateQuinine + Rosoxacin
"Quinine may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Rosoxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateQuinine + Levofloxacin
"Quinine may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Levofloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateQuinine + Trovafloxacin
"Quinine may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Trovafloxacin."
Terminal elimination half-life: 32-50 days (range 22-124 days) due to extensive tissue distribution and slow release from melanin-rich tissues; requires long-term dosing to achieve steady state (3-6 months).
Terminal elimination half-life: 18 hours (range 8–21 h) in healthy adults; prolonged to 26–44 h in severe malaria or hepatic impairment.
Renal (50-70% unchanged), fecal (20-30% as metabolites), minor biliary.
Renal: ~20% unchanged; Hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) to inactive metabolites, excreted in urine and feces. Total renal elimination of parent and metabolites ~80%.
Category C
Category C
Antimalarial
Antimalarial