Adult Dosing
Conversion of atrial fibrillation/flutter to sinus rhythm
quinidine gluconate
- 648 mg PO q8 hrs x3-4 doses, if desired effect is not achieved then increase PRN until conversion
- Alt: 324 mg PO q8 hrs x2 days, then 648 mg PO q12 hrs x2 days, then 648 mg PO q8 hrs x4 days
quinidine sulfate
- 300-600 mg ER tabs PO q8-12 hr; alt: 400 mg PO qid x4-5 doses; if desired effect is not achieved then increase PRN until conversion
For reducing frequency of relapse into atrial fibrillation/flutter
quinidine gluconate
- Start: 324 mg PO q8-12 hr; adjust dose based on serum levels
quinidine sulfate
- 300-600 mg ER tabs PO q8-12 hr; Alt: 200 mg PO qid; adjust dose based on serum levels
Suppression of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias
quinidine gluconate
- 648 mg PO q8 hrs x3-4 doses, if desired effect is not achieved then increase PRN until conversion
- Alt: 324 mg PO q8 hrs x2 days, then 648 mg PO q12 hrs x2 days, then 648 mg PO q8 hrs x4 days
quinidine sulfate
- 300-600 mg ER tabs PO q8-12 hr; alt: 400 mg PO qid x4-5 doses; if desired effect is not achieved then increase PRN until conversion
Prevention of supraventricular arrhythmia [Not FDA approved]
quinidine gluconate
- Start: 324 mg PO q8-12 hr; adjust dose based on serum levels
quinidine sulfate
- 300-600 mg ER tabs PO q8-12 hr; alt: 200-300 mg PO q4-6 hr
Notes:- Dose of quinidine gluconate ER tABS may be titrated by breaking a tablet in half
- Do not crush/chew the medication
- Adjust dose based on ECG and BP
- Individualize dose
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatrics have not been established
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- Prolong QTc interval leading to torsades de pointes, a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia has been reported with quinidine. Bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia or high serum levels of quinidine increases the risk of torsades. Use cautiously in patients with preexisting long-QT syndromes or history of torsades de pointes
- Ventricular arrhythmias including frequent extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular flutter, and ventricular fibrillation have been reported with quinidine
- Use of quinidine in patients with atrial flutter/fibrillation can lead to slowing of the atrial rate with a consequent increase in the ventricles beats (>200 beats/min). Hence, prior to initiation of quinidine therapy achieve partial atrioventricular block using conduction-reducing drugs such as digitalis, verapamil, diltiazem, or a beta-receptor blocking agent
- Quinidine can cause sinus node depression and bradycardia when used in patients with the sick sinus syndrome
- Physical or pharmacological vagal maneuvers undertaken to terminate paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia will be ineffective in patients receiving quinidine, as quinidine opposes the atrial and A-V nodal effects of vagal stimulation
- Thrombocytopenia presenting with petechiae or bruising, lightheadedness, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting and bleeding events has been observed with quinidine therapy. Discontinue the therapy on occurence of any of these symptoms and if therapy is continued there is risk of fatal hemorrhage
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Risk of complete AV block
- preexisting long-QT syndromes
- History of torsades de pointes
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Bradycardia
- Hypokalemia
- Hypomagnesemia
- CHF
Supplemental Patient Information
- Do not take this medication if history of allergic reaction to quinidine or quinine (Qualaquin), including easy bruising or unusual bleeding
- If breast-feeding a baby do not use this medication without consulting a physician
- Stop using the medicine for a short time prior to undergoing any surgery
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Probably safe. Exclusively breastfed infants should be carefully monitored if this drug is used during lactation, possibly including measurement of serum levels to rule out toxicity if there is a concern. This information is based upon LactMed database http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 18 April 2011). According to manufacturer data administration of quinidine should (if possible) be avoided in lactating women who continue to nurse.
US Trade Name(s)
US Availability
quinidine gluconate (generic)
quinidine sulfate (generic)
- TABS: 200, 300 mg
- ETABS: 300 mg
Canadian Trade Name(s)
Canadian Availability
UK Trade Name(s)
UK Availability
Australian Trade Name(s)
Australian Availability
[Outline]