Quinidine Sulfate Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Quinidine Sulfate

Quinidine is used to correct various types of irregular heart rhythms and also to slow an abnormally fast heartbeat.

Quinidine Sulfate Dosage

The usual dosage for adults is 300 milligrams quinidine every 8 to 12 hours.

Uses of Quinidine Sulfate

• Quinidine Sulfate CR is an anti-arrhythmic used to treat an irregular heartbeat.
• It is also used for other medical conditions those are listed in the medication guide.

Side Effects of Quinidine Sulfate

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Quinidine Sulfate. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• hepatitis
• inflammation of the esophagus (gullet)
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Quinidine Sulfate:

• You should use quinidine cautiously if you have kidney or liver disease. In which, your doctor will check your blood count and liver and kidney function periodically during long-term therapy.
• Do not confuse quinidine with quinine, which, although related, is used to treat malaria.
• Quinidine may cause certain types of heart irregularity. It can also cause the condition known as heart block, and should be used with caution if you have partial heart block.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Quinidine Sulfate, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Quinidine Sulfate medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Quinidine Sulfate with the following:-

• Amiodarone (Cordarone)
• Blood thinners such as Coumadin
• Codeine
• Disopyramide (Norpace)
• Felodipine (Plendil)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Mexiletine (Mexitil)
• Nicardipine (Cardene)
• Phenobarbital
• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Thiazide diuretics such as Dyazide
• Verapamil (Calan)

Overdose

When you are taking Quinidine Sulfate, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a Quinidine Sulfate overdose are include:

• Abnormal heart rhythms
• blurred or double vision
• confusion
• delirium
• headache
• intolerance to light
• loss of hearing
• low blood pressure
• ringing in the ears
• vertigo