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Before prescribing Quinidine Sulfate (quinidine sulfate (quinidine sulfate (quinidine sulfate tablet, film coated, extended release) tablet, film coated, extended release) tablet, film coated, extended release) Extended-release Tablets as prophylaxis against recurrence of atrial fibrillation, the physician should inform the patient of the risks and benefits to be expected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Discussion should include the facts

• that the goal of therapy will be a reduction (probably not to zero) in the frequency of episodes of atrial fibrillation; and
• that reduced frequency of fibrillatory episodes may be expected, if achieved, to bring symptomatic benefit; but
• that no data are available to show that reduced frequency of fibrillatory episodes will reduce the risks of irreversible harm through stroke or death; and in fact
• that such data as are available suggest that treatment with quinidine sulfate (quinidine sulfate tablet, film coated, extended release) is likely to increase the patient's risk of death.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/29/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.