QUINIDINE

Brand & Generic Names

Apo-Quinidine
Cardioquin
Cin-Quin
Duraquin
Novoquinidin
Quinaglute Dura-Tabs
Quinalan
Quinate
Quinidex Extentabs
Quinora

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? U.S.: Yes Canada: No
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antiarrhythmic

Uses

Corrects heart rhythm disorders.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet or capsule--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.
Extended-release tablets--Swallow each dose whole. Don't crush them.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Delays nerve impulses to the heart to regulate heartbeat.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 4 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Confusion, severe blood pressure drop, lethargy, breathing difficulty, fainting, seizures, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency itching, faintness treatment immediately. soon after a dose (anaphylaxis); wheezing.

Common:

Bitter taste, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, abdominal pain.

Infrequent:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, headache, confusion, rash, change in vision, difficult breathing, rapid heartbeat.
• Ringing in ears.

Rare:

• Unusual bleeding or bruising, difficulty or pain on swallowing, fever, joint pain, jaundice, hepatitis.
• Weakness.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to quinidine.
• You have an active infection.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
About any drug you take, including non-prescription drugs.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Drug filters into milk. May harm child. Avoid.

Infants & children:
No problems expected.

Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check complete blood counts (white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit), liver function, kidney function, serum potassium levels, ECG*.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Alkalizers*, urinary	Slows quinidine elimination,
	increasing its effect and toxicity.
Antiarrhythmics*	May increase or decrease effect or
	toxicity of quinidine.
Anticholinergics*	Increased anticholinergic effect.
Anticoagulants*,	Possible increased anticoagulant
oral	effect.
Antihypertensives*	Increased antihypertensive effect.
Beta-adrenergic	May slow heartbeat excessively.
Cholinergics*	Decreased cholinergic effect.
Cimetidine	Increased quinidine effect.
Cisapride	Decreased quinidine effect.
Digitalis	May slow heartbeat excessively.
preparations*	Dose adjustments may be needed.
Encainide	Increased effect of toxicity on
	heart muscle.
Flecainide	Possible irregular heartbeat.
Guanfacine	Increased effect of both medicines.
Nicardipine	Possible increased effect and
	toxicity of each drug.
Nifedipine	Possible decreased quinidine
	effect.
Nimodipine	Increased quinidine effect.
Paroxetine	Increased effect of both drugs.
Phenobarbital	Decreased quinidine effect.
Phenothiazines*	Possible increased quinidine
	effect.
Phenytoin	Decreased quinidine effect.
Pimozide	Increased risk of heartbeat
	irregularities.
Propafenone	Increased effect of both drugs and
	increased risk of toxicity.
Rauwolfia alkaloids*	Possibly disturbs heart rhythms.
Rifampin	Decreased quinidine effect.
Tocainide	Increased possibility of adverse
	reactions from either drug.
Verapamil	Hypotension.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Caffeine drinks.	Causes rapid heartbeat. Use
	sparingly.
Cocaine:	Irregular heartbeat. Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Can cause fainting.
Tobacco:	Irregular heartbeat. Avoid.