quinidine /kwin″ədēn, -din/ , an antiarrhythmic agent administered as a bisulfate, gluconate, or polygalacturonate or as sulfate salts. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, and tachycardias. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. It is contraindicated in thrombocytopenia, myasthenia gravis, and some arrhythmias, particularly those associated with heart block. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the most serious adverse effects are cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, and cinchonism. Rare but potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis and thrombocytopenia may occur. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are common.
