QUINIDEX

Drug Name: QUINIDEX

QUINIDEX DESCRIPTION:
QUINIDINE - ORAL (KWIN-ih-deen)

COMMON QUINIDEX BRAND NAME(S):
Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quinora

QUINIDEX SIDE EFFECTS:
Diarrhea, loss of appetite, bitter taste in mouth, dizziness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision or stomach upset may occur. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Inform MD immediately if the following effects occur: chest severe dizziness, fainting, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, joint aches. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE QUINIDEX:
QUINIDEX: This is best taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, but may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking QUINIDEX. Sustained-release tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them. QUINIDEX works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose exactly as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking QUINIDEX without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

QUINIDEX WARNING:
QUINIDEX sometimes produces new irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

QUINIDEX USES:
QUINIDEX is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate.

QUINIDEX PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: kidney or liver problems, all heart related problems (QT prolongation), muscle problems (myasthenia gravis), any allergies. Quinidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Quinidine is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

QUINIDEX DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor of all the medication you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: other heart medicine, pimozide, ritonavir, mefloquin, warfarin, halofantrine, succinylcholine, blood pressure medicine, rifamycins, antacids, phenytoin, digoxin, cimetidine, ranitidine, verapamil, diltiazem. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Sudden changes in the amount of salt you use may affect the levels of quinidine in your body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

QUINIDEX OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include trouble breathing, trouble walking, vomiting, diarrhea, ringing in the ears, headache, dizziness, disturbed vision, and nausea.

QUINIDEX NOTES:
There are different brands of QUINIDEX available. Not all products are identical. Do not change brands without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take QUINIDEX. Learn how to monitor your pulse. To evaluate the effectiveness of QUINIDEX, your doctor may periodically take a blood sample to measure the amount of the drug in your body.

MISSED QUINIDEX DOSE:
If you miss a dose and remember within 2 hours, take it as soon as remembered. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

QUINIDEX STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.