Quinidine
Quinidine is known as a heart medication that acts as a class I antiarrhythmic agent. It is a quinine stereoisomer derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. The drug causes an increase in the duration of the action potential as well as a prolongation of the QT interval.
Quinidine Uses:
This medication is prescribed to treat or prevent a variety of irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation). Quinidine, by reducing the number of irregular heartbeats, can greatly improve your ability to perform normal activities. However, it is possible that it will not completely stop all of your irregular heartbeats. It functions by preventing abnormal heartbeat signals. Your doctor might prescribe other medications as well as blood thinners, anticoagulants, beta-blockers before and while you use quinidine to shrink any blood clots in the heart and slow your pulse.
How to use Quinidine tablet ?
- It is recommended for you to take a test dose (usually a smaller amount than your regular dosage) before starting this drug to see if you are allergic to it.
- As directed by your doctor, take this medication orally with or without food and with full glass of liquid (8 ounces/240 milliliters). This medication is best taken on an empty stomach, but it may help reduce stomach upset if taken with food. After taking this medicine, do not lie down for at least 10 minutes.
- Extended-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed. Also, unless the tablets have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist instructs you to do so, do not split them. Without crushing or chewing, swallow the entire or split tablet.
- This medication is available in a variety of brands and forms. Not all have the same effect. Change quinidine products only after consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects:
Some of the common side effects Quinidine are:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Rash
- Difficulty in Sleeping
Some of the serious side effects of Quinidine are:
- Ringing in the earss
- Nausea
- Unusual Bleeding or brushing
Precautions:
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies before taking it. Inactive ingredients present in this product might cause allergic reactions or some other problems.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have: certain types of heart disease, very low blood pressure, a history of easy bruising, bleeding with quinine or quinidine use, kidney disease, severe muscle weakness, liver disease, a certain blood disorder, asthma, or current infection with fever.
- If you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation, your risk of QT prolongation may be increased. Before taking quinidine, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the medications you are taking, as well as if you have any of the following conditions: specific heart problems or a family history of specific heart problems
- Low potassium and magnesium levels in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. If you use certain drugs or have conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, your risk of developing this condition may increase. Consult your doctor about how to use quinidine safely.
- Senior citizens might be more sensitive to the drug's side effects, particularly dizziness and QT prolongation.
- This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy.
- This medication is excreted in breast milk. Before breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
Missed dose:
If you forget to take one dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and proceed with your daily schedule. To cope up with a missed dose, do not take a double dose.
Overdose:
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions.
Interactions:
Drug interactions can change the way your medicines work or put you at risk for adverse side effects. Do not start on your own, stopping it suddenly, or change the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor.
Storage:
Exposure of medicine to heat, air, and light may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Quinidine Vs Plaquenil
Quinidine |
Plaquenil |
|---|---|
| Quinidine is known as a heart medication that acts as a class I antiarrhythmic agent. It is a quinine stereoisomer derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. | Plaquenil is a type of medication known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs). It can help with lupus skin problems and arthritis swelling/pain.is a drug used for preventing and treating malaria. |
| This medication is prescribed to treat or prevent a variety of irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation). | This drug is also used for treating auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). |
| The drug causes an increase in the duration of the action potential as well as a prolongation of the QT interval. | Plaquenil changes the way your immune system functions. Some types of lupus cause your immune system to attack your body rather than protect it. Plaquenil works to suppress or slow the immune system. |
