quinidine
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A cardiac drug: A medication derived from cinchona bark, used primarily to treat or prevent certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It is an isomer of quinine.
Usage
- Quinidine is used as a prescription medication.
- It is typically discussed in medical, pharmacological, or clinical contexts.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed quinidine to manage the patient's atrial fibrillation.
- Quinidine therapy requires careful monitoring for potential side effects.
- One historical source of quinidine is the bark of the cinchona tree.
Advanced Usage
- Pharmacological Class: Quinidine is classified as a Class IA antiarrhythmic agent.
- Electrophysiological Action: It works by blocking sodium channels and prolonging the cardiac action potential.
Variants and Related Words
- Quinidine sulfate / Quinidine gluconate: These are specific salt forms of the drug used in pharmaceutical preparations.
- Quinidex™, Quinora™: Historical brand names for quinidine preparations.
Synonyms
- Antiarrhythmic agent
- Class IA antiarrhythmic
Notes on Meaning
- While chemically related to quinine (an antimalarial drug), quinidine has distinct therapeutic uses targeting the heart. They are stereoisomers.
- Its use has declined in favor of newer antiarrhythmic drugs but it remains an important option in specific clinical situations.
Noun
- cardiac drug (trade names Quinidex and Quinora) used to treat certain heart arrhythmias