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CHEMICAL NAME
QUINIDINE SULFATE.
INDICATIONS
Quinidine Sulphate is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate.
DIRECTIONS
Follow the directions for using Quinidine Sulphate provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew before swallowing. Quinidine Sulphate ER Tablets may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Take this medicine at evenly spaced times day and night. If you have any questions about your dosing schedule, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Store this medicine at room temperature, in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
SIDE EFFECTS
Diarrhea, loss of appetite, bitter taste in mouth, dizziness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision or stomach upset may occur. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if the following effects occur: confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, joint aches. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: kidney or liver problems, all heart related problems (QT prolongation), muscle problems (myasthenia gravis), any allergies. Quinidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Quinidine is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include trouble breathing, trouble walking, vomiting, diarrhea, ringing in the ears, headache, dizziness, disturbed vision, and nausea.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor of all the medication you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: other heart medicine, pimozide, ritonavir, mefloquin, warfarin, codeine, succinylcholine, blood pressure medicine, rifamycins, antacids, phenytoin, digoxin, cimetidine, ranitidine, verapamil, diltiazem. Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Sudden changes in the amount of salt you use may affect the levels of quinidine in your body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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