INDICES> Stability of quinine in dextrose 5% or normal saline (cont)

[DID <did.jms@imul.com>]

INDICES> Stability of quinine in dextrose 5% or normal saline (cont)
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Dear All,

Background:

Quinine is the only wonder medicine for malaria this way, now.  We
usually use it by infusion in dextrose 5%, or in normal saline for sugar
diabetics.  The infusion is to be given over 4 hours.  Though, i agree
that these are facts our regulatory agency should be concerned about. 
Malaria being a serious problem here, we have not done much work, in the
area of drug stability.  Given our tropical conditions.  We also have
limited nursing staff, to administer medicines at correct times.  Those
available hardly value timing doses by the clock.  Medical doctors, in a
zone, badly hit with malaria, would like to prepare quinine infusion for
use, within 24 hours. 


Question:

For how long does quinine dihydrochloride at a concentration of
600 mg in 500 ml dextrose 5%, or, in 500 ml normal saline (sodium
chloride 0.9%), stay stable, and safe to infuse?  Is it safe to use such
quinine infusions after they have stayed for a period of 24 hours?  

Thank you, in advance.

Sincerely,

George Kibumba, MPS(Uganda).
Drug Information Pharmacist
Drug Information Desk,
Joint Medical Store,
P.O.BOX 4501, KAMPALA, Uganda(E.A)
e-mail: did.jms@imul.com
Tel:    256-41-268482
fax:    256-41-267298
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