Flecainide
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Brand Names
Tambocor
Description
Flecainide (FLEK-ai-nide) is a type of antiarrhythmic. It is used to correct irregular heartbeats(to a normal rhythm). It works by slowing nerve impulses in the heart and making the heart tissue less sensitive.
Dosage Form
Proper Use
- Should not be taken in higher dosages than prescribed by the doctor. - Should be taken exactly as directed by the doctor, even if the patient feels well. - It works best when there is a constant amount in the blood, so no doses should be missed. - It is best to take the doses 12 hours apart.
Dosing
- The dose differs from patient to patient. - Doses should not be changed unless directed by the doctor. - For oral dosage form (tablets): Adults should take 50-150 milligrams every twelve hours. Children's dose should be determined by the doctor. - If a dose is missed, but the patient remembers within 6 hours, it should be taken as soon as possible. After the 6 hours, it is better to skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose and the regular dosing schedule. Doses should not be doubled.
Storage
- Keep out of the reach of children. - Store away from heat and direct light. - Do not store in damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. - Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. - Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Considerations before taking Flecainide
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to flecainide, lidocaine, tocainide, or anesthetics. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy - Flecainide has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in one kind of rabbit given about 4 times the usual human dose have shown that flecainide causes birth defects. Before taking flecainide, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding - Flecainide passes into breast milk. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of flecainide in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults - Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of flecainide. Flecainide may be more likely to cause irregular heartbeat in the elderly.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking flecainide it is especially important that your health care professional knows if you are taking any of the following:
Other medicine for heart rhythm problemsBoth wanted and unwanted effects on the heart may increase Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of flecainide. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Congestive heart failure: Flecainide may make this condition worse
Kidney disease or Liver disease: Effects of flecainide may be increased because of slower removal from the body
Recent heart attack: Risk of irregular heartbeats may be increased
If you have a pacemaker: Flecainide may interfere with the pacemaker and require more careful follow-up by the doctor Precautions While Using This Medicine It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly. This will allow for changes to be made in the amount of medicine you are taking, if necessary.
Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card or bracelet stating that you are using this medicine.
Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this medicine.
Flecainide may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.
If you have been using this medicine regularly for several weeks, do not suddenly stop using it. Check with your doctor for the best way to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of feet or lower legs, trembling or shaking Rare
Yellow eyes or skin Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome: More common
Blurred vision or seeing spots, dizziness or lightheadedness Less common
Anxiety or mental depression, constipation , headache, nausea or vomiting , skin rash, stomach pain or loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or weakness Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.