quinidine

Last reviewed 01/2018

Quinidine is used in the suppression of supraventricular tachycardias and ventricular arrhythmias. Hypersensitivity should be tested with a 200 mg test dose.

Contraindications include heart block.

Side effects are similar to those for procainamide i.e. nausea, diarrhoea, rashes, fever, myocardial depression, heart failure, an SLE like syndrome, and, after prolonged treatment, agranulocytosis. In addition there may be ventricular arrhythmia, thrombocytopaenia and haemolytic anaemia.

The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing this drug.