Quflora
23 June, 2023
Quinine Sulfate Capsules
23 June, 2023
Quinalan
Generic name: Quinidine
Drug class: Antiarrhythmic, Group IA
Dosage form: Tablet, Extended Release
Route of administration: Oral
Dose: 200 mg to 400 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours, adjusted based on clinical response and plasma levels
Mechanism of action: Quinidine blocks sodium channels in cardiac cells, prolonging the action potential and refractory period, thereby stabilizing the cardiac cell membrane and reducing excitability. It also has anticholinergic properties, which can increase heart rate.
Drug usage cases:
- Treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
- Management of ventricular arrhythmias
- Prevention of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
Drug contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to quinidine or any component of the formulation
- Conduction disturbances such as complete heart block without a pacemaker
- Myasthenia gravis
- History of thrombocytopenic purpura
- Concurrent use with quinine
Side effects:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Cardiac effects: QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, ventricular arrhythmias
- Hematologic reactions: thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia
- Neurological effects: dizziness, tinnitus, headache
- Hypersensitivity reactions: rash, pruritus, angioedema
- Visual disturbances: blurred vision, photophobia
Warnings:
- Monitor ECG regularly due to risk of QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes
- Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment
- Adjust dosage in patients with concurrent use of CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers
- Discontinue if signs of hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia occur
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal to prevent exacerbation of arrhythmias
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Quinidine is classified as Category C for pregnancy, indicating that risk cannot be ruled out. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Quinidine is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.
