 quinidine 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 quinidine.
Before taking this medicine
Although quinidine 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 quinidine.
You should not use quinidine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
a serious heart condition called "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
myasthenia gravis; or
a history of bruising or bleeding after using quinidine or quinine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome";
slow heartbeats;
congestive heart failure;
a heart valve disorder, a hole in your heart, an enlarged heart, or mitral valve prolapse;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
Marfan syndrome;
heart rhythm problems with past use of quinidine;
liver or kidney disease; or
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 quinidine.
