Serum quinidine levels after chronic administration of four different quinidine formulations

The serum levels produced by four different quinidine formulations have been studied. The relative bioavailability of the formulations was demonstrated as were the mean peak serum levels and their timing in relation to dosage. From the data obtained, the biological half-lives were measured and the apparent volume of distribution and total body clearance were calculated for each formulation. The generic tablets of quinidine monosulphate from five different manufacturers were not significantly different from each other in any respect and produced the expected peak and trough serum level curves. The serum level curves resulting from administration of quinidine polygalacturonate (Cardioquin) were not significantly different from those resulting from the generic tablets, and this formulation may be regarded as therapeutically equivalent to the generic formulations. Both sustained-release formulations of quinidine bisulphate, Durettes and Kiditard (given at the same dosage) were shown to offer a means whereby, with simple twice-daily dosage, quinidine maintenance treatment may be continued with the confidence that the serum levels may be maintained throughout each 24-hour period without peaks into the toxic levels and troughs into the levels of no effect.