Quinidine polygalacturonate

Quinidine Polygalacturonate is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. It is a salt form of quinidine, a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the bark of the cinchona tree.

Pharmacology

Quinidine Polygalacturonate works by blocking the fast inward sodium current in the myocardial cell. This results in a decrease in the phase 0 depolarization, which is seen on the electrocardiogram as a prolongation of the QT interval.

Clinical Use

Quinidine Polygalacturonate is used in the treatment of certain types of ventricular arrhythmias, including premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. It is also used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Quinidine Polygalacturonate include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. More serious side effects can include cardiotoxicity, cinchonism, and thrombocytopenia.

Contraindications

Quinidine Polygalacturonate is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to quinidine or any of the components of the formulation. It is also contraindicated in patients with certain cardiac conditions, including myasthenia gravis, complete atrioventricular block, and torsades de pointes.

Drug Interactions

Quinidine Polygalacturonate can interact with a number of other medications, including digoxin, warfarin, and certain antifungal medications. These interactions can lead to increased levels of the other medication in the body, potentially leading to toxicity.

See Also

• Quinidine
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Pharmacology