Quinine given to a patient of falciparum malaria caused sweating and plapitation, the likely cause is-
First, I need to recall what quinine does. Quinine is an antimalarial that works by inhibiting the heme polymerase enzyme in the malaria parasite, preventing the formation of hemozoin. But quinine also has other effects. It's a non-selective adrenergic agonist, meaning it can stimulate both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
Now, the symptoms mentioned are sweating and palpitations. Sweating is often related to sympathetic nervous system activation, which could be due to alpha-adrenergic stimulation. Palpitations are usually due to beta-1 stimulation, which increases heart rate. So if quinine is causing these, it's probably because of its action on adrenergic receptors.
Looking at the options, the correct answer would be related to adrenergic stimulation. Let's say the options are something like:
A. Cholinergic stimulation
B. Histamine release
C. Adrenergic stimulation
D. Direct cardiac toxicity
Option A is cholinergic, which would cause things like bradycardia, not palpitations. Option B, histamine release, might cause itching or hypotension, not these symptoms. Option D, direct cardiac toxicity, could lead to arrhythmias, but the specific symptoms here point more to adrenergic effects. So the correct answer is C.
The clinical pearl here is to remember that quinine's side effects include adrenergic stimulation, leading to symptoms like sweating, palpitations, and hypertension. Students should note that quinine can mimic sympathetic activation, which is a common exam point.
**Core Concept**
Quinine, an antimalarial drug, acts as a non-selective adrenergic agonist. It stimulates alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors, potentially causing sympathetic nervous system activation with cardiovascular and autonomic side effects.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Quinine’s stimulation of **beta-1 adrenergic receptors** in the heart increases heart rate (palpitations), while activation of **alpha-1 adrenergic receptors** in sweat glands causes sweating. These effects mimic sympathetic overactivity, even without a true stressor. The drug’s action on these receptors is dose-dependent and contributes to its adverse effect profile.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Cholinergic stimulation would cause bradycardia, not tachycardia, and symptoms like salivation or diarrhea, not sweating or palpitations.
**Option B:** Histamine release typically causes urticaria, hypotension, or bronchospasm, not adrenergic-like symptoms.
**Option D:** Direct cardiac toxicity (e.g., from quinidine) might cause arrhythmias, but the specific combination of sweating and palpitations points to adrenergic stimulation, not structural damage.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Quinine’s adrenergic agonist properties are a classic exam trap—students often confuse it with cholinergic or histaminergic effects. Remember: quinine-induced sweating and palpitations = **non-selective adrenergic stimulation**, not