[The anti-arrhythmia drug quinidine as an alternative in the treatment of severe falciparum malaria].

Abstract

Parenteral quinine is the most effective treatment for severe falciparum malaria. It is not easily available in Switzerland and so dangerous delays treating patients may occur. The antiarrhythmic drug quinidine, usually stocked by hospitals, is an alternative drug for malaria treatment. We report the cases of two patients with severe malaria imported from Kenya. They were treated first with intravenous quinidine sulfate over 3 days and for another 4 days with peroral quinidine sulfate. The therapeutic response was excellent. During the 2 months posttherapeutic period no recrudescence of Plasmodium falciparum occurred. 20 mg/kg b.w./die of quinidine given intravenously seems to be an adequate dose in severe falciparum malaria.

• Authors: H B Ris, E Stahel, J F Pittet, M Friedemann
• Journal: Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift (Schweiz Med Wochenschr) Vol. 113 Issue 7 Pg. 254-8 (Feb 19 1983) ISSN: 0036-7672 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Das Antiarrhythmikum Chinidin als Alternative in der Behandlung der schweren Falciparum-Malaria.
• PMID: 6340187 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
• Quinidine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Anti-Arrhythmia Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Injections, Intravenous
• Malaria (drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Plasmodium falciparum
• Quinidine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)