Quinidex (Quinidine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 21, 2012

Quinidex

Atrial Fibrillation »

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, abnormal rhythm of the heart.

The heart contracts (beats) and pumps blood with a regular rhythm, for example, at a rate of 60 beats per minute there is a beat every second. The heart may beat faster or slower with a shorter or longer interval between beats, but at any one rate the interval between beats is constant. This regular rhythm occurs as a result of regular electrical discharges (currents) that travel through the heart and cause the muscle of the heart to contract. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical discharges are irregular and rapid and, as a result, the heart beats irregularly and, usually, rapidly.

Atrial fibrillation is common; half a million new cases are diagnosed yearly in the U.S., and billions of dollars are spent annually on its diagnosis and treatment.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

Normal function of the he...

Read the Atrial Fibrillation article »

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Quinidex

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Quinidine is an antimalarial schizonticide and an antiarrhythmic agent with Class la activity; it is the d-isomer of quinine, and its molecular weight is 324.43. Quinidine sulfate is the sulfate salt of quinidine; its chemical name is cinchonan-9-ol, 6'-methoxy-, (9S)-, sulfate(2:1) dihydrate.

its empirical formula is (C ₂₀H ₂₄N ₂O ₂) ₂Â· H ₂SO ₄Â·2H ₂O; and its molecular weight is 782.95, of which 82.9% is quinidine base.

Each Quinidex Extentabs® tablet contains 300 mg of quinidine sulfate (249 mg of quinidine base) in a formulation to provide extended release; the inactive ingredients are acacia, acetylated monoglycerides, calcium sulfate, carnauba wax, edible ink, FD&C Blue 2, gelatin, guar gum, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, polysorbates, shellac, sucrose, titanium dioxide, white wax, and other ingredients, one of which is a corn derivative. Tablets may also contain FD&C Red 40 and FD&C Yellow 6 Aluminum Lakes. These tablets comply with USP Drug Release Test 1.

What are the possible side effects of quinidine (Quinaglute Dura-Tabs, Quinidex Extentabs, Quin-Release)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking quinidine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
a new or a worsening irregular heartbeat pattern;
chest pain or chest discomfort;
ringing in the ears;
changes in vision;
dizziness, fainting, or headache;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Quinidex »

What are the precautions when taking quinidine (Quinidex)?

Before taking quinidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to quinine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of heart disease (e.g., incomplete or complete heart block without an artificial pacemaker, torsades-type irregular heartbeats, digitalis toxicity), very low blood pressure, history of easy bruising/bleeding (thrombocytopenic purpura) with use of quinine or quinidine, severe muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis).

Before using this medication,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Quinidex »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.