In this Article

• What is quinidine (Quinidex)?
• What are the possible side effects of quinidine (Quinidex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about quinidine (Quinidex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quinidine (Quinidex)?
• How should I take quinidine (Quinidex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Quinidex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Quinidex)?
• What should I avoid while taking quinidine (Quinidex)?
• What other drugs will affect quinidine (Quinidex)?
• Where can I get more information?

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

You should not take this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to quinidine or quinine (Qualaquin), including easy bruising or unusual bleeding. You should not take quinidine if you have myasthenia gravis or certain heart conditions, especially "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker).

To make sure you can safely take quinidine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• slow heart rate;
• congestive heart failure;
• a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome";
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood;
• a history of "Long QT syndrome";
• if you are on a low-salt diet; or
• if you have ever had an abnormal electrocardiogram or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether quinidine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Quinidine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take quinidine (Quinidex)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Do not crush or chew an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. You may break the tablet in half if your doctor instructs you to.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using quinidine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Ask your doctor how to adjust your quinidine dose if needed. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Use quinidine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

While using quinidine, you may need blood tests at your doctor's office. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.