Quin-G
Generic name: quinidine (oral/injection) [ KWIH-nih-deen ]
Drug class: Group I antiarrhythmics
The Quin-G brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
What is Quin-G?
Quin-G is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders, usually after other treatments have failed. This medicine has not been proven to lower the risks of stroke or death.
Quin-G is also used to treat a life-threatening form of malaria.
Quin-G may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Quin-G side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Quin-G may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
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fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
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confusion, ringing in your ears, hearing loss;
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severe eye redness, vision problems, increased sensitivity to light;
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wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing;
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easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
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pale or yellowed skin, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine;
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fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, swollen glands;
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skin itching, flaking, blistering, peeling, or rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight;
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muscle or joint pain; or
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dry mouth, trouble swallowing.
Common side effects of Quin-G may include:
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chest pain, pounding heartbeats;
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dizziness;
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heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
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flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
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feeling weak or tired; or
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pain or tenderness where the medicine was injected (may last for several weeks).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Quin-G may increase your risk of death, especially if you have heart problems affecting the tissues or valves of your heart (including heart problems you may have been born with). Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Quin-G.
Before taking this medicine
Although Quin-G can reduce episodes of irregular heart rhythm, this medicine may increase your risk of death. Your risk may be higher if you have heart problems affecting the tissues or valves of your heart (including heart problems you may have been born with). Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
You should not use Quin-G if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
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a serious heart condition called "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
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a history of bruising or bleeding after using Quin-G or quinine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome";
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slow heartbeats;
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congestive heart failure;
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a heart valve disorder, a hole in your heart, an enlarged heart, or mitral valve prolapse;
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long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
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heart rhythm problems with past use of Quin-G;
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liver or kidney disease; or
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an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using Quin-G.
How is Quin-G given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Your blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored in a hospital or clinic setting when you start using Quin-G, and whenever your dose is changed.
Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.
Quin-G oral is taken by mouth. This medicine injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
Do not crush or chew an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. You may break the tablet in half if your doctor instructs you to.
When Quin-G is given to treat malaria, you may also be given antibiotic medication. Keep using the antibiotic for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Related/similar drugs
doxycycline, amiodarone, clindamycin, lidocaine, hydroxychloroquine, verapamil, Plaquenil, dofetilide, Pacerone
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Because you will receive Quin-G in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of quinidine can be fatal.
Overdose can cause vomiting, diarrhea, ringing in your ears, hearing loss, severe dizziness, double vision, confusion, irregular heartbeats, or feeling like you might pass out.
What should I avoid while using Quin-G?
Grapefruit may interact with oral Quin-G and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
What other drugs will affect Quin-G?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Many drugs can affect Quin-G. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
More about Quin-G (quinidine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: group I antiarrhythmics
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Cardioquin, Quinidex Extentabs
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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