FLECAINIDE - ORAL

FLECAINIDE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (fleck-UH-nide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tambocor

GENERIC NAME(S): flecainide acetate

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat certain types of serious (possibly fatal) irregular heartbeat (such as persistent ventricular tachycardia and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia). It is used to restore normal heart rhythm and maintain a regular, steady heartbeat. It is also used to prevent certain types of irregular heartbeat from returning (such as atrial fibrillation). Flecainide is known as an anti-arrhythmic drug. It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. Treating an irregular heartbeat can decrease the risk for blood clots, and this effect can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. Older adults should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor or pharmacist, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments.


How to use FLECAINIDE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your age, kidney and liver function, medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Dizziness, vision problems (such as blurred vision, problems focusing, seeing spots), shortness of breath, headache, nausea, shaking, tiredness, or weakness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain). Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: faster/more irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking flecainide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, other heart problems (such as previous heart attack, heart pacemaker). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Flecainide may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using flecainide, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using flecainide safely. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. However, this drug is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Many drugs besides flecainide may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. (See also Precautions section.) Other medications can affect the removal of flecainide from your body, which may affect how flecainide works. Examples include asunaprevir, cimetidine, fluconazole, certain HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, tipranavir), anti-seizure drugs (such as phenytoin, phenobarbital), among others.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting, seizures, very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

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Faq for FLECAINIDE - ORAL

Flecainide is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent certain types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).

Flecainide works by stabilizing the electrical activity in the heart, thereby restoring normal heart rhythm.

Common side effects of Flecainide include dizziness, headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Flecainide should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Flecainide should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken by mouth with or without food.

Yes, Flecainide can interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungal drugs, and certain heart medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

Yes, Flecainide can cause serious side effects such as worsening heart rhythm problems, fainting, allergic reactions, and liver problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects.

No, it is not safe to suddenly stop taking Flecainide without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping the medication can lead to worsening of your heart condition. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions on how to discontinue the medication gradually if needed.

Flecainide can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset.

The onset of action of Flecainide varies from person to person. It may take a few days or weeks for the medication to start working effectively. It is important to continue taking it regularly as prescribed by your doctor.


Warning

WARNING: Though this medication often gives great benefits to people with irregular heartbeat, it may rarely cause a serious new irregular heartbeat. Therefore, when starting treatment with this drug, your doctor may recommend that you stay in the hospital for proper monitoring. Flecainide should not be used to treat a certain type of irregular heartbeat (persistent atrial fibrillation/flutter). Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this medication for your condition.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.