Kinidin (discontinued in the UK - December 2006)

How does it work?

The heart's pumping action is controlled by electrical signals which pass through the heart muscle, causing contraction of the two pairs of heart chambers (left and right atria and ventricles). Quinidine works by decreasing the sensitivity of heart muscle cells to electrical impulses, therefore slowing the electrical conduction in the heart muscle. This helps to restore disturbances in heart rhythm (arrhythmias), which can seriously undermine the pumping action of the heart and result in inefficient blood circulation around the body.

What is it used for?

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Warning!

It is recommended that an electrocardiogram (ECG) is carried out before starting and regularly throughout treatment, to monitor the functioning of the heart.

Use with caution in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Dangerous levels of digitalis (e.g. digoxin) in the body

Decrease in electrical messages between the two chambers of the heart (atria and ventricles) , resulting in decreased function of the heart (incomplete atrioventricular block)

Disturbance in the potassium levels in the blood

Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock)

Heart failure

Inflammation of the muscular walls of the heart (myocarditis)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Obstruction of the gut or foodpipe (oesophagus)

Severe damage to the muscular wall of the heart (myocardium)

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Slowed passage of electrical signals between the two chambers of the heart (atria and ventricles) (prolonged AV conduction)

Not to be used in

Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)

History of low numbers of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia) caused by quinidine

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The medicine passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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