Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Quinidine and flecainide are both prescription medications used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. They work by blocking sodium channels to help normalize your heart's electrical activity. Quinidine is available as generic quinidine sulfate and quinidine gluconate extended-release tablets. Flecainide is also available as a lower-cost generic. Quinidine is used for treating and preventing atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter as well as preventing ventricular arrhythmias, but it is not commonly used today because of better alternatives. Flecainide is used for preventing paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter, and ventricular arrhythmias. Quinidine is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours, while flecainide is taken twice a day. Common side effects of quinidine include diarrhea and upset stomach, whereas flecainide can cause dizziness and changes in vision. Both medications many important drug interactions, so be sure to inform your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking.
Quinidine
Flecainide
Quinidine
Flecainide
Summary of Cin-Quin vs. Tambocor
Summary for Antiarrhythmic
Prescription only
Quinidine is one of the oldest antiarrhythmic medications, but isn't used as often these days since there are better alternatives.
Summary for Antiarrhythmic
Prescription only
Flecainide helps normalize your heart rhythm if you have certain types of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). However it can cause dizziness and changes in vision.
Indications of Cin-Quin vs. Tambocor
Indications for
•Treatment of atrial fibrillation or flutter
•Prevention of atrial fibrillation or flutter
•Prevention of ventricular arrhythmias
Indications for
•Prevention of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias (PSVT)
•Prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter (PAF)
•Prevention of ventricular arrhythmias
Pros and Cons of Cin-Quin vs. Tambocor
Pros and Const for Antiarrhythmic
Pros
•A preferred choice for some people with Brugada syndrome
•Available in a lower-cost, generic form
Cons
•Higher chance of death compared to alternatives; only used in very specific scenarios
•Many drug interactions
Pros and Const for Antiarrhythmic
Pros
•Works good to treat certain types of irregular heart rhythms that could be life-threatening
•Is available as a cheaper generic formulation
Cons
•Not a preferred medication if you have heart failure or have had a recent heart attack
•Can cause dizziness or changes in vision
•Dosing needs to be adjusted if you have kidney or liver problems