Quinidine
The following information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as a medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Quinidine
(KWIN i deen)

Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Quinidine®; BioQuin® Durules™; Novo-Quinidin; Quinate®

Pharmacologic Category
Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class Ia

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
This medicine is intended only for treatment of serious fast heartbeats. It can cause dangerous side effects. You will be closely monitored when starting this medicine.

This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine
• If you have an allergy to quinidine or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: A slow heartbeat without a working pacemaker, low platelet count, or myasthenia gravis.

What is this medicine used for?
• This medicine is used to treat a fast heartbeat.

How does it work?
• Quinidine decreases the effects of chemicals on the heart. It slows the heart down.

How is it best taken?
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Take this medicine with or without food, but be consistent. Always take with food or always take on an empty stomach.

• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
• Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.

• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

What should I monitor?
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Fast heartbeat.

• Severe belly pain.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Not hungry.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?
• Store tablets at room temperature.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:26:32.0

Modified: 2009-09-01 13:13:08.0

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