Quinine levels revisited: the value of routine drug level monitoring for those on parenteral therapy

Parenteral quinine is the most frequently used first line treatment for severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the developed world. Quinine is known to have a number of toxic side effects including cardiotoxicity, ototoxicity and ocular toxicity. Many therefore advocate routine monitoring of quinine levels for patients receiving parenteral therapy. This paper reviews current evidence on the usefulness of quinine level monitoring in the context of 73 adult patients with severe P. falciparum malaria managed by the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London. Combining data from these patients with a comprehensive literature review, we conclude that routine quinine level monitoring in all patients receiving parenteral therapy is seldom appropriate.