Lupus Site - a guide for lupus patients and their families

Brand names - Atabrine, Mepacrine.

Medication type - Antimalarial/Anti-infective.

Common side effects - Yellow color of the skin and urine, stomach or abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea.

Rare side effects - There are no rare side effects associated with this drug.

Serious side effects - Hallucinations; mental or mood changes; irritability; nervousness; skin rash; reddening, itching or peeling of skin; nightmares. Call your doctor immediately.

Other notes - This medication is best taken after meals with a full glass of water, fruit juice, or tea, unless your doctor instructs otherwise. Avoid all forms of alcohol, including medications such as cough syrup. Do not take quinacrine while pregnant; treatment should be delayed until after childbirth. If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your physician. Quinacrine passes into breast milk and may be harmful to the nursing infant; caution is advised.