Quinidine extended-release tablets

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What are quinidine extended-release tablets?

QUINIDINE (Quinidex®) is an antiarrhythmic agent. Quinidine treats irregular heart rhythm and can slow rapid heartbeats (tachycardia). Quinidine can help your heart to return to and maintain a normal rhythm. Generic quinidine extended-release tablets are available

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema
• fever
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• myasthenia gravis
• other heart problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to quinidine, quinine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take quinidine extended-release tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets or capsules in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with quinidine?

• acetazolamide
• antacids
• arsenic trioxide
• astemizole
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
• bepridil
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• bosentan
• certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin)
• cevimeline
• cimetidine
• cisapride
• citrate salts (examples: Bicitra®, Oracit®, Cytra-2, Polycitra®, Urocit®-K)
• cyclobenzaprine
• dalfopristin; quinupristin
• doxercalciferol
• galantamine
• ginger
• grapefruit juice
• hawthorn
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• loperamide
• medicines for asthma or breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes such as metformin
• medicines for high blood pressure or angina
• medicines for mental depression, behavioral problems, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain such as codeine, methadone, tramadol
• medicines for surgery that relax muscles or block pain
• medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, propafenone, procainamide, sotalol, verapamil)
• mefloquine
• methazolamide
• neostigmine
• phenytoin
• probucol
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• sevelamer
• sodium bicarbonate
• tacrolimus
• terfenadine
• warfarin
• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking quinidine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking quinidine suddenly; this may cause serious, heart-related side effects. Because your condition and the use of quinidine carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications and prescriber or health care professional.

Check your heart rate (pulse) and blood pressure regularly while you are taking quinidine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Your prescriber or health care professional also may schedule regular blood tests and electrocardiograms to check your progress.

You may feel dizzy, faint, or have trouble seeing clearly. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how quinidine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Quinidine may make your skin and eyes more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing and sunglasses outdoors; use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking quinidine.

What side effects may I notice from taking quinidine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blurred vision or other change in vision
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• dizziness or fainting spells
• fever
• headache
• irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• pain on swallowing
• skin rash, peeling or loose skin
• ringing in the ears
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• changes in taste (bitter or metallic taste)
• confusion
• diarrhea
• flushing of the skin with intense itching
• heartburn, stomach pain or cramps
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sun or ultraviolet light
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.