Is your heart rhythm irregular? Let's learn about Quinidine tablets.

You may be wondering, 'What is this medicine called quinidine?' Simply put, it is a medicine that helps keep your heart rate, or the rhythm of your heart, at the right rate. Doctors call it an 'antiarrhythmic' medicine . Sometimes, when your heart starts beating too fast, this medicine is also given to control it. Not only that, it is also used as a treatment for some types of malaria. This medicine may also come under brand names such as ``Quinora''. But it can also be used for other things, so if you have any questions, it is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication?

Before you start taking these quinidine tablets, there are some things you need to tell your doctor. It is very important for your own health to be honest about these things.

Here are those things:

• If you have heart disease or have had a heart attack before .
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have low blood pressure .
• If you have a lung disease , for example, asthma.
• If you have a disease related to the nerves and muscles called Myasthenia Gravis .
• If you have a pacemaker implanted in your chest.
• If you have an allergic reaction to quinidine, quinine, other medicines, foods, artificial dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

By telling your doctor this kind of information in advance, he can decide exactly whether or not this medication is right for you, and how to give it.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how to use this medicine. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly.

• This medicine is to be taken orally , with a glass of water.
• Follow the instructions on the prescription label exactly.
• This medicine can be taken before or after meals . The doctor will tell you about that.
• The most important thing is to take the right dose at the right time . Don't take more than the doctor tells you to, or take it more often.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. Doing so can cause serious heart-related side effects. Just think, if your heart is already used to this medicine and suddenly stops, it can feel like a small jolt to the heart. That's why doctors say to gradually reduce the dose and stop. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how to stop if you do.

If you are giving this medicine to young children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it. Special care may be needed.

Overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a Poison Control Center or Emergency Room immediately.

Important note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Don't worry. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose. Doing so may cause side effects.

What other drugs (Drug Interactions) may interact with this medicine?

This is very important. When you take Quinidine, it can interact with other medications you are taking. If this happens, Quinidine may not work as well or may cause dangerous side effects.

Never take this medicine with the following medications:

• `abarelix`
• `amiloride`
• `amoxapine`
• `apomorphine`
• `arsenic trioxide`
• Certain antifungal medicines - for example `itraconazole` or `ketoconazole`
• Certain quinolone antibiotics
• `cisapride`
• `droperidol`
• `haloperidol`
• `hawthorn` (this is a herb)
• `levomethadyl`
• `maprotiline`
• Medicines given for malaria - e.g. `chloroquine` and `halofantrine`
• Some medicines for mental depression - e.g. `tricyclic antidepressants`
• `mefloquine`
• `methadone`
• Other medicines to control heart rhythm
• `pentamidine`
• Phenothiazines - e.g. chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, thioridazine
• `pimozide`
• `ranolazine`
• `sertindole`
• `vardenafil`
• `voriconazole`

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• `acetazolamide`
• Antacids (like liquid medicine for gastritis)
• Barbiturates - e.g. `phenobarbital`
• `cimetidine`
• Diuretics (medicines that remove water from the body)
• Medicines for high blood pressure or angina (chest pain)
• Medicines given to relax muscles or relieve pain during surgery
• `methazolamide`
• `phenytoin`
• Prescription pain medicines - e.g. `codeine` and `hydrocodone`
• `rifampin`
• `sodium bicarbonate`
• `warfarin` (a medicine that reduces blood clotting)
• `ziprasidone`

This list is not complete. Other interactions may occur. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, dietary supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some things can interact with your medicine.

What should I be especially careful about when taking this medicine?

It's a good idea to pay a little more attention to your health while taking Quinidine.

• See your doctor regularly to check your progress (regular checkups).
• Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace. Also, keep a card with details about your condition, the medications you take, the dosage, and the times. This will be very useful in an emergency.
• Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should talk to him or her.
• Your doctor may also order things like blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your progress.
• You may feel drowsy or dizzy . Until you know exactly how this medicine affects you, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires your mind to focus. Especially if you are elderly, do not stand or sit up suddenly. Doing so may cause dizziness and fall.
• Do not consume alcoholic drinks. Alcohol may interfere with the effectiveness of this medication.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin, wear sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, Quinidine can cause some side effects. Some are not serious, but some should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Side effects that should be reported to your doctor or healthcare professional immediately:

• Breathing problems
• Changes in vision
• Confusion
• Feeling faint or lightheaded
• Fever
• Headache - if it is different from a normal headache and is severe
• Irregular heartbeat - if you feel like your chest is beating differently
• Nausea, vomiting
• Pain on swallowing
• Skin rash, peeling or loose skin
• Ringing in the ears
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Feeling unusually weak or tired

Side effects that do not usually require medical attention, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:

• Diarrhea (stomach ache )
• Flushing of the skin with intense itching
• Heartburn (like gastritis )
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain

This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store the medicine?

It is also very important to store your medication properly.

• Keep it out of the reach of children.
• Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius / 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Protect from light and moisture. That means, don't keep it in places like the bathroom.
• Keep the medicine bottle/packet tightly closed.
• Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.

Remember: This article is only a summary. It does not contain all the information. If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

So, a few final things to remember

Okay, let's remind ourselves of some of the most important things about the drug quinidine that we talked about.

• Quinidine is a drug that is mainly used to regulate heart rhythm. It is also used to treat malaria.
• Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking. It is very important.
• Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, and in the right amount. Don't stop taking it suddenly.
• This may interact with other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
• Drowsiness and dizziness may occur. So be careful. Be careful when going out in the sun.
• If you experience any serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately.
• Store medicines properly and keep them away from children.

Your heart is a very precious thing. While medications like these can help keep it healthy, the most important thing is to use them correctly. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you have. That way, you can get the most out of this medication and stay healthy!

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