Quinidine: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Facts extracted from current FDA product labeling for Quinidine. Educational only — not medical advice.
Reported adverse reactions
| Reaction | Highest frequency reported* |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | 21% |
| Fever | 5% |
| Rash | 5% |
| Arrythmia | 3% |
| Abnormal electrocardiogram | 3% |
| Nausea/vomiting | 3% |
| Dizziness | 3% |
| Headache | 3% |
| Asthenia | 2% |
| Cerebral ischemia | 2% |
*Highest percentage across placebo-controlled trial tables summarized in current labeling.
Labeled uses
Conversion of atrial fibrillation/flutter In patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation/flutter whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by measures that reduce the rate of ventricular response, quinidine gluconate is indicated as a means of restoring normal sinus rhythm. If this use of quinidine gluconate does not restore sinus rhythm within a reasonable time (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ), then quinidine gluconate should be discontinued. Reduction of frequency of relapse into atrial fibrillation/flutter Chronic therapy with quinidine gluconate is indicated for some patients at high risk of symptomatic atrial fibrillation/flutter, generally patients who have had previous episodes of atrial fibrillation/flutter that were so frequent and poorly tolerated as to outweigh, in the judgment of the physician and the patient, the risks of prophylactic therapy with quinidine gluconate. The increased risk of death should specifically be considered. Quinidine gluconate should be used only after alternative measures (e.g., use of other drugs to control the ventricular rate) have been found to be inadequate. In patients with histories of frequent symptomatic episodes of atrial fibrilla…
Medical disclaimer: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medication.