QUINIDINE SUMMARY
QUINIDINE SULFATE Extended-release TABLETS, USP
Quinidine is an antimalarial schizonticide and an antiarrhythmic agent with class 1a activity; it is the d–isomer of quinine and its molecular weight is 324.
Treatment of malaria
Quinidine gluconate injection is indicated for the treatment of life–threatening Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Conversion of atrial fibrillation/flutter
Quinidine gluconate injection is also indicated (when rapid therapeutic effect is required, or when oral therapy is not feasible) as a means of restoring normal sinus rhythm in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation/flutter whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by measures that reduce the rate of ventricular response. If this use of quinidine gluconate does not restore sinus rhythm within a reasonable time, then its use should be discontinued.
Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias
Quinidine gluconate injection is also indicated for the treatment of documented ventricular arrhythmias, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, that in the judgement of the physician are life–threatening. Because of the proarrhythmic effects of quinidine, its use with ventricular arrhythmias of lesser severity is generally not recommended, and treatment of patients with asymptomatic ventricular premature contractions should be avoided. Where possible, therapy should be guided by the results of programmed electrical stimulation and/or Holter monitoring with exercise.
Antiarrhythmic drugs (including quinidine) have not been shown to enhance survival in patients with ventricular arrhythmias.
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