Quinine

Quinine, alkaloid derived from cinchona bark from South America, long used in treating a variety of ailments (now rarely used). It was preeminent in early treatment of malaria until the 1930s, when atabrine was introduced. Quinine is also a mild analgesic and may prevent cramps and suppress heart rhythm disorders. Its side-effects include vomiting, deafness, vertigo, and vision disturbance.

See also: Cinchona; Malaria.