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Compare Qualaquin vs. Plaquenil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Quinine (Qualaquin) and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are both antimalarial medications, but they have different uses and side effects. Quinine is specifically used to treat malaria in people aged 16 and older and must be taken every 8 hours for 7 days. It has many side effects, including nausea, stomach pain, and serious risks like abnormal heart rhythms and bleeding problems. Hydroxychloroquine, on the other hand, is used to prevent and treat malaria in both adults and children, and it is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in adults. It is typically taken once or twice a day with food or milk. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but it can also cause serious issues like heart rhythm problems and eye damage. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic, making them more affordable. Both medications require a prescription and have significant interactions with other medications, so it's important to discuss all your medications with your healthcare provider.

  • Quinine (Qualaquin)
    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
  • Quinine (Qualaquin)
    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

  • Summary of Qualaquin vs. Plaquenil

    Summary for Antimalarial
    Prescription only

    Quinine (Qualaquin) is used to treat malaria in people ages 16 years and older. It's not used for preventing malaria. It's available as a capsule taken every 8 hours. Side effects of quinine (Qualaquin) include nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Taking it with food can ease some stomach-related side effects. It's typically not a first-choice option because it has a lot of side effects, drug interactions, and needs to be taken in combination with either doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx) or certain other antimalarial medications.

    Summary for Anti-malarial agent
    Prescription only

    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus in adults. It's also an antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria in adults and children. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is taken by mouth, typically once or twice per day. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Qualaquin vs. Plaquenil

    Indications for
    •Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in people ages 16 years and older
    Indications for
    •Uncomplicated malaria in adults and children
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
    •Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults
    •Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Qualaquin vs. Plaquenil

    Pros and Const for Antimalarial
    Pros
    •Only need to take for a week to treat malaria
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Taken every 8 hours
    •Only available as a capsule
    •Interacts with a lot of medications, including certain antiseizure medications and antibiotics
    Pros and Const for Anti-malarial agent
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken once per day
    •Possible option for RA during pregnancy
    Cons
    •Need to take with food or milk
    •Interacts with commonly prescribed medications, such as certain blood sugar medications or antibiotics
    •Can't be used in children for lupus

  • Common Side Effects of Qualaquin vs. Plaquenil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Sweating
    •Ringing in the ears
    •Hearing loss
    •Dizziness
    •Blurry vision
    •Changes in how you see color
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea and vomiting (up to 37%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 37%)
    •Bloating (up to 37%)

  • Warnings of Qualaquin vs. Plaquenil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for leg cramps
    •Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)
    •Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cells)
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
    •Low blood sugar
    •Severe skin and allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious heart rhythm problems
    •Build-up of phospholipids (a type of fat)
    •Eye damage
    •Severe skin and allergic reactions
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cells)
    •Suicidal thoughts
    •Lower blood sugar levels
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Qualaquin vs. Plaquenil

    Learn more about Quinine
    Learn more about Hydroxychloroquine

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