Quinidine revisited

Am J Med. 2009 Apr;122(4):317-21. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2008.11.019. Epub 2009 Feb 25.

Abstract

One of the earliest antiarrhythmic drugs developed, quinidine had a significant role in the treatment of many arrhythmias. After concerns for increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia and death with quinidine emerged, the use of quinidine fell dramatically in favor of newer antiarrhythmic medications. However, recent trials have generated renewed interest in the use of quinidine. In particular, quinidine appears to be safe and efficacious in combination with verapamil for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Quinidine has also been used successfully to treat idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, Brugada syndrome, and Short QT syndrome. Although it is one of the oldest drugs in our armamentarium, quinidine continues to have a role in modern cardiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / drug therapy
  • Heart Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Quinidine / adverse effects
  • Quinidine / pharmacokinetics
  • Quinidine / therapeutic use*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Quinidine