quinidine Health Article

Generic name(s):

quinidine

Brand name(s):

Quin-Release, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs, Quinidex Extentabs

What is the most important information I should know about quinidine?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience ringing in the ears, changes in vision, dizziness, fainting, a rapid heartbeat, headache, nausea, a rash, or difficulty breathing.

Do not skip doses or change your dosing schedule without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition worse. Quinidine may be taken with food to lessen stomach upset. Do not crush, chew, or break any extended- or sustained-release formulations of quinidine. Swallow them whole. If you are not sure whether you have a long-acting form of quinidine, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor.

What is quinidine?

Quinidine affects the way that the heart beats.

Quinidine is used to treat irregular heartbeat patterns.

Quinidine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quinidine?

Before taking quinidine, tell your doctor if you have

• had an allergic reaction or the development of blood problems (e.g., thrombocytopenic purpura) due to previous treatment with quinidine or quinine;

• any other type of heart disease or heart problems;

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• myasthenia gravis (a nerve-muscle disorder).

You may not be able to take quinidine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Quinidine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether quinidine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Quinidine passes into breast milk. It is not known whether quinidine will affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take quinidine?

Take quinidine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Quinidine may be taken with food to lessen stomach upset. Do not crush, chew, or break any extended- or sustained-release formulations of quinidine. Swallow them whole. If you are not sure whether you have a long-acting form of quinidine, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. Do not skip doses or change your dosing schedule without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition worse.

It is important to take quinidine regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with quinidine to monitor progress and side effects.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with quinidine. The interaction could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Store quinidine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a quinidine overdose include confusion, tiredness, seizures, difficulty breathing, fainting, a rapid heartbeat, and coma.