QUINA, or QUINIA,—one of the alkaloids of cinchona—Medical properties of. The mode of procuring this and other alkaloids front bark, and the mode of forming some of the numerous salts and coin binationa of these bodies, aro already given under CINCHONA, AI,KALoins ov. Soon after their discovery they were employed in the treatment of disease, and possessed some advantages over the crude bark, the insolubility of the woody fibre of which seriously distressed the stomach. A brief notice of these can only be given here ; for fuller details reference may be made to Pereira's 'Mat. Med. ; ' Royle's Mat. fled. ;' but the fullest exists in Dierbach, Die Neuesten Entdeckungen in der Mat. Merl,' vols. 1. and ii. Pure quinia is too insoluble to admit of use. Some of its salts or solutions are used.
Cinchonia is more soluble, but it also is only given in solution or com bination. These may be classed under the acids, inorganic and organic, and the menstrua or solvents employed 'to facilitate their administra tion, augment their power, or render them more grateful to the patient. Of all, the most common is the sulphate of quinia. This is found in two states—the strictly neutral, formerly called disul phate, and the bisulphate. The superior solubility of the former eutitics it to preference. Disulphate of cinchonine, and disulphate of quiuidina (both termed sulphate of cinchonia, and sulphate of quinidina, though there are also biaulphates of these alkaloids) have the advantage of greater cheapness, and probably equal efficacy. A combination of an inorganic acid and an organic, in the form of a sulpho-tartrate of quinia, in syrup, has been used, but probably it has scarcely any advantage but from its greater palatableness, a merit found in a saccharated solution of bark, or combining extract of bark with con fection of orange-peel, which renders it acceptable to children. Similar properties to this last combination are found in the officinal compound tincture of quinia. Amorphous quinine, as it is found in quinoidine, along with several other bases, is a most valuable form, and has the great advantage of comparative cheapness, a circumstance which fits it well for camp and hospital practice, since its efficacy as an anti periodic is unquestionable. In one of the forms of elephantiasis, which is of a febrile character, and of malariona origin, and markedly periodic in its nature, the utility of quinine is most striking; and as this occurs mostly among the poor, a cheap but effectual remedy is most desirable.
Hydrochlorate or muriatc of quiva has the advantage of greater solubility than the sulphate, and seems, for this or other reasons, to possess a superior power over some forms of quartan ague, par ticularly of a typhoid type. Nitrate of quina is very insoluble in water, but easily so in alcohol. A tincture is therefore a good form.
Phosphate of quints is equally and easily soluble in water and in alcohol—either may be used as its solvent. In the treatment of the nervous exhaustion of literary men, this preparation is of great utility.
Of the combinations of quina or cinchonia with organic acids the citrate seems entitled to preference. It is of great service. On account of its dearness sulphate of quina is often substituted for it; but when pure its curative properties seem very decided, especially against head aches of malarious origin. It may be taken along with lemon juice. [ORANGE.] A syrup also is formed, which is acceptable to children. Citrate of quinine and iron is a most eligible combination. Kinate and tannate of quinine are both useful forms. Arsenite and arseniato of quinine are forms of much utility, both in intermittent diseases and in skin affections, particularly if, in the latter caeca, associated with sulphur.
Tartrate of quina is little known or used, except as a sulpho-tartrate above mentioned.
Acetate of quina is likewise little known, but an acetate of quinidina alone, which is less nauseous than the sulphate of quinidina, or in con junction with this last preparation, is a very potent anti-periodic. Acetate of quina and iron is also a commendable tonic, especially in cramp of the stomach.
Valerianate of quina is liable to the objection that it has a most repulsive odour. But its efficacy as a tonic in nervous affections is very great ; and in Asiatic cholera it has proved a useful support.
Hydriodato of quina is well suited to the debility of strumous persona.
Hydrocyanate of quina is well suited both for some cases of inter mittents, in which the sulphate, from its heating properties, cannot be borne, and for all cases where a tonic and antispasmodic are indicated, such as convulsive disorders, St. Vitus' dance, &c.
Ferro-cyanate of quina is very soluble in alcohol, but not in cold water, while it is entirely decomposed by hot water. It is appropriate to tertian and quartan agues, especially where the sulphate cannot be borne.
Lactate, oxalate, and chloride are fitted for some peculiar cases, and have their respective advocates.
The ammoniated liquor of quina is one of the best preparations, and one of the most speedily acting. In severe influenza and depressed states of the system, it surpasses all other forms ; but some persons cannot bear ammonia. Wines of quinine and wines of quinium exist, and are in request, but many owe as much to the wine as the quinine for the favour they enjoy.
Solutions of quinine, of hydriodato of quinine, and of valerianate of quinine in codliver oil are vended, but rapid decomposition occurs. So they should only be prepared immediately before they are to be taken.