Drugs & Vitamins

Quinidine Injection Active Ingredients: Quinidine Injection What is quinidine injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with quinidine? What side effects may I notice from receiving quinidine? What should I watch for while taking quinidine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is quinidine injection? (Back to top) QUINIDINE 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 injections are available What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) 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 use this medicine? (Back to top) Quinidine is for injection into a muscle or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with quinidine? (Back to top) •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 •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 side effects may I notice from receiving quinidine? (Back to top) 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) •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 What should I watch for while taking quinidine? (Back to top) Your condition will be carefully monitored while you receive quinidine. 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. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/30/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.