Quinacrine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Mepacrine

Proper Use of This Medicine

Quinacrine is best taken after meals with a full glass (8 ounces) of water, tea, or fruit juice, unless directed by your doctor.

For patients unable to swallow tablets or capsules or unable to tolerate bitter taste :

• The tablets may be crushed and mixed with jam, honey, or chocolate syrup so that you get the full dose of the medicine.

For patients taking quinacrine for giardiasis:

• To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking quinacrine for the full time of treatment , even if you feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, you symptoms may return.Do not miss any doses

Dosing - The dose of Quinacrine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of quinacrine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage forms:
  • For giardiasis:
    • Adults and teenagers - 100 milligrams (mg) thee times a day for five to seven days.
    • Children - 2 mg per kilogram (0.9 mg per pound) of body weight three times a day for seven days.
  • For lupus erythematosus:
    • Adults and teenagers - 100 milligrams (mg) once a day for one or two months. After this time, the dose may be decreased by your doctor.
    • Children - 1 to 2 mg per kilogram (0.45 to 0.9 mg per pound) of body weight once a day.
• For injection dosage form:
  • For pneumothorax:
    • Adults and teenagers - 100 milligrams, injected into the space surrounding the lungs, once a day for three or four days in a row.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.