Quinidine

Generic Name : Quinidine

TradeName : Quinidine sulphate, Quinidine gluconate

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Quinidine is used to treat irregular heartbeat. It relaxes an overactive heart and improves the efficiency of the heart's pumping action.

When it is to be taken : Quinidine usually is taken every 6, 8, or 12 hours. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. It is important that you take quindine regularly on the exact schedule prescribed for you , even if you must awaken during the night to take it. Do not skip doses because irregular heartbeats may develop.

How it should be taken : Quinidine comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and long-acting tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not chew or crush the extended-release tablets; swallow them whole.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor so your response to this drug can be evaluated. You probably will have an electrocardiogram and blood tests periodically.
2. Do not stop taking quinidine without consulting your doctor.
3. Follow your doctor’s advice on diet, exercise, and smoking.
4. Cigarettes and caffeine-containing beverages may increase the irritability of your heart and interfere with the action of quninidine.
5.If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. However, if you remember a missed dose more than halfway to your next scheduled dose (e.g., if you take a dose every eight hours and remember to take your next dose less than four hours before), take it as soon as you remember but skip your next scheduled dose; then resume your regular schedule.

Side Effects :
1. Loss of appetite, abdominal pain and cramps, bitter taste, nausea, diarrhoea. Take the drug with food. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or are severe.
2. Skin rash, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, ringing in the ears, changes in vision, dizziness, headache, tremor, faintness. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors before taking quinidine.
2. Before you take quinidine, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially antacids, anticoagulants, heart or high blood pressure medication, tranquilizers, Phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinine, and sodium bicarbonate.
3. Before taking quinidine, tell your doctor if you have heart, liver or kidney disease; asthma or other lung disease; myasthenia gravis; muscle weakness; or an infection.
4. Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking quinidine.
5. Tell your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to quinidine or quinine.
6. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature and away from light.