Quinidex (Quinidine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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

Quinidex Patient Information including How Should I Take

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

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 (Quinidex)?

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.

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