What it means
An antimalarial taken weekly for prevention or as a short course for treatment. It is also used for amebic infection of the liver. Long use can damage the retina, and it can cause heart rhythm problems (a long QT interval). An overdose is very dangerous, especially in children.
For the nurse
Give it with food to reduce stomach upset. Teach travelers to start before the trip and continue after, to keep it away from children, and to report vision changes; long-term users need eye exams.
At a glance
| Drug class | antimalarial |
|---|
Related terms
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
quinine
An antimalarial drug made from the bark of the cinchona tree, taken by mouth for malaria.