Quinidine

About Quinidine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-arrhythmics.

Quinidine is used to treat arrhythmias within the heart. An arrhythmia is an irregularity in the heartbeat, which causes the heart to skip a beat, beat irregularly, beat very fast or very slow. Quinidine works by correcting irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm and by slowing an overactive heart.

Quinidine is available in tablet form. It is also available as a modified release preparation, which means quinidine is released slowly over the day to give a better effect.

It is also sometimes known as: Kinidin Durules. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Quinidine

Before taking quinidine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart problems
• if you suffer from digestive or swallowing problems
• if you suffer from hypokalaemia (low levels of potassium)
• if you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease) or hyportension (low blood pressure)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Quinidine

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take quinidine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Quinidine modified release capsules should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed, with a glass of water.
• Do not stop taking quinidine, without speaking to your doctor first.
• Try to take quinidine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose of quinidine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
• Quinidine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of quinidine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside quinidine.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored
• Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking quinidine.
• If stomach upset occurs, try taking quinidine with food or with a glass of milk.

Can Quinidine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually go away as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome:

Feeling sick, diarrhoea, skin rashes, fever, ringing in the ears, headache, problems with eyesight, a fast or slow heartbeat, light-headedness or muscle pains.

Important: If you experience any jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Quinidine

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 25/07/2003