Quinidine-induced hepatitis.

To the Editor. —The article on quinidine-induced hepatitis by Knobler et al 1 is interesting and important. Curiously, no mention is made of the reason why quinidine was given to 1500 patients in a ten-year period at their hospital. Hopefully, the recovery that occurred after cessation of the drug will not encourage its use. Indeed, although quinidine is widely used (and has been for a long time) in the prevention and treatment of various arrhythmias, it use remains moot, and adverse effects continue to be emphasized. 2 Yet, it is certain that in most, if not all, instances the use of quinidine can be avoided.