This medication is used to treat or prevent many types of irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation). Quinidine can greatly improve your ability to perform normal activities by decreasing the number of irregular heartbeats you have. However, it may not stop all your irregular heartbeats completely. It works by blocking abnormal heartbeat signals. Before and while you are using quinidine, your doctor may prescribe other medications (e.g., blood thinners /anticoagulants such as warfarin, beta blockers such as metoprolol) to shrink any blood clots in the heart and to slow your pulse.
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain/cramps, or a burning feeling in throat or chest (e.g., heartburn) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: vision changes, eye pain, muscle pain, unusual sweating or shakiness (signs of low blood sugar), unexplained fever/signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, extreme tiredness, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, lupus-like symptoms (joint/muscle pain, chest pain). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: severe dizziness, fainting, sudden change in heartbeat (faster/slower/more irregular). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. One type of reaction (cinchonism) can occur after even a single dose of this drug. Contact your doctor of pharmacist promptly if you notice symptoms such as ringing in the ears, sudden hearing problems, headache, blurred vision, confusion. Your dosage may need to be adjusted. Certain long-acting brands of quinidine may appear as a whole tablet in the stool. This is the empty shell left after the medicine has been absorbed by the body. It is harmless. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Write a Product Review