In early 2007, FDA banned all prescription quinine products other than Qualaquin. FDA acted in this manner because of a perception that quinine is not effective for this condition and that its risk potential far exceeds its efficacy potential.
The reasons for the advice were: The potential risks of quinine are skin sensitisation and moderate acute oral toxicity.
Quinine may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may also sweat, shake, or have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, or a headache that will not go away. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.
The quinine present in tonic water provides a distinctive bitter flavor. While not dangerous, tonic water does not have any benefits and could lead to an unnecessary increase in calorie consumption.
Quinine is FDA-approved only for treating malaria and is sold with a warning against using it to treat leg cramps or muscle pain, because it increases the risk of bleeding and heart rhythm disturbances.
Drink plenty of fluids. You can also drink an electrolyte replacement drink or sports drink, such as Gatorade, after exercise. Walk around, or jiggle your leg.
Not enough minerals.
Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in the diet can cause leg cramps. Medicines often prescribed for high blood pressure can cause increased urination, which may drain the body of these minerals.
Ingredients. Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Quinine, Natural Flavors.
Regular consumption of tonic water may lead to side effects like nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, and nervousness. Among the serious side effects are bleeding problems, kidney damage, and abnormal heartbeat.
Quinine is also able to block cardiac myocyte sodium channels and has been shown to suppress ventricular arrhythmias [1]. However, its effect on the atrial myocardium has not been determined [1]. Atrial fibrillation and flutter are common atrial arrhythmias.
Quinine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity, a history of immune thrombocytopenic purpura or thrombotic microangiopathy, G6PD deficiency, tinnitus, optic neuritis, prolonged QT interval or myasthenia gravis.
“Quinine is a key ingredient in tonic water and is commonly used to assess people's response to a bitter taste.” Dr Hwang said the results increased understanding of the gustatory cortex, the part of the brain that processes taste signals and generates taste sensations.
Treat Malaria
The juice or grapefruit itself contains valuable and natural quinine, which is advantageous for the treatment of malaria. Quinine is an alkaloid with a long history of treating malaria, as well as lupus, arthritis and nocturnal leg cramps.
The "Australian" variant is ultra low in sugar (2.3%), contains naturally sourced quinine which is balanced against native lemon myrtle to provide the perfect canvass for a quality gin.
The reason that people continue to use tonic water today is for its signature bitter but sweet taste. Quinine is the compound that gives tonic water its bitter qualities. It is also the same compound used to lend strong, bitter flavors to other products, such as those intended to taste like “bitter lemon.”
Quinine was used as a medication to fight malaria and has been successful; however, there has been a decline in usage as better compounds with fewer side effects have been developed [1]. It is known for its bitter taste and thus has been used in Tonic water since the 1850s.
Beware bladder irritants
Other common irritants include acidic juices, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks and artificial sweeteners (don't forget this applies to tonic water, bitter lemon etc), so it's worth swapping these out of your diet if you struggle with an overactive bladder.
There is only one primary benefit to drinking tonic water and that is hydration. Since it is still water, it will keep you hydrated and help you focus better than a soda or juice. However, it still has a sugar content comparable to those, so it's a bit of a double-edged sword.
East Imperial Tonic is one of the most unique and authentic options out there, as it boasts a very high level of quinine. In fact, it has the highest level of quinine of any tonic on the market, according to the brand — which makes this a great pick for serious tonic aficionados.
Other quinine wines include Dubonnet and Byrrh. Liqueurs like Amer Picon and probably even Pimm's were infused with quinine. Many bitter liqueurs include cinchona bark in their recipes, including probably most Italian amari. Ones that have affirmed they do include Amaro Sibilla, Averna, Fernet-Branca, and Ramazzotti.
If all else fails and the cramps are interfering with your day-to-day life, try drinking about 6 ounces of tonic water before going to bed.
You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they'll also give you magnesium and calcium. That's three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief.
In general, they're likely the result of tired muscles and nerve problems. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Pregnant people also are more likely to have night leg cramps. Kidney failure, diabetic nerve damage and problems with blood flow are known to cause night leg cramps.