Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking quinine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food (to decrease upset stomach) as directed by your doctor, usually every 8 hours for 3 to 7 days.

Take this medication 2 to 3 hours before or after taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium. These products bind with quinine, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, country where you were infected, other medications you may be taking for malaria, and your response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.

It is very important to keep taking this medication (and other malaria medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed. Do not skip any doses. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Skipping doses or stopping the medication too early may make the infection more difficult to treat and result in a return of the infection.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if you do not start feeling better after 1 to 2 days of starting this medication. If your fever returns after completing this prescription, contact your doctor so that he/she can determine whether the malaria has returned.