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Quinidine (Injection)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to quinidine or quinine, or if you started to have blood problems after taking one of these medicines. You should not receive this medicine if you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle-nerve disease), or certain heart rhythm problems.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given slowly through a needle or a catheter (plastic tube) into a vein.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

There are many other drugs that can interact with quinidine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicine you are using, or have used recently.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking quinidine before you have any kind of surgery or procedure.
You may need to have your blood drawn for tests more than once while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of heart rhythm problems, congestive heart failure, or other heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, or any other health problem.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Chest pain, or a heartbeat that is fast, slow, or pounding.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, trouble thinking clearly, fainting, or seizures (convulsions).
Hearing or vision changes, such as blurry vision or ringing in the ears.
Redness, pain, swelling, or a lump at the injection site if the medicine was given into a vein (IV).
Tremor (shaking), new joint or muscle pain, or problems with movement.
Skin changes anywhere on your body, such as rashes or unexplained peeling.
Fever, or swollen glands in the neck or groin.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or heartburn.
Dry eyes or mouth.
Headache, nervousness, depression, unusual tiredness, or sleeping problems.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor:

Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010

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