What is Flecainide?
Flecainide is a Class IC antiarrhythmic that is employed in specific situations to avoid heart rhythm disorders.
Flecainide can also be employed for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Flecainide
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Flecainide may cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor immediately in the event of:
- Rapid heartbeats or fast beats;
- A fluttering sensation in your chest, shortness of breath, and dizziness that is sudden (like you're going to faint);
- Low heartbeat low pulse slow breathing (breathing may cease);
- Being breathless;
- Swelling and rapid weight gain
- Pale skin, no bleeding or bruising, or uncommon weakness;
- Fever, flu-like symptoms,
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common negative effects of flecainide include:
- Dizziness;
- Problems with vision;
- Trouble breathing
- Headache;
- Nausea;
- Feeling tired or weak.
This isn't an exhaustive list of the possible impacts, as other things may occur. See your physician for recommendations about medically adverse reactions. If you experience any adverse reactions to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
It is not recommended to use flecainide when you suffer from a serious heart problem, like branches of the bundle or an AV block (without a pacemaker), or if your heart isn't able to pump blood correctly.
The first dose is given in an in-hospital or clinic setting to treat any severe reactions.
Before you Take this Drug
Do not take flecainide if you are allergic to it or if
- If you suffer from a heart disease, like a bundle branch block, an AV block (unless you are a pacemaker),The heart can't properly pump blood.
Tell your physician if you were ever afflicted by::
- A heart attack;
- Persistent atrial fibrillation, or AFib;
- Congestive heart failure;
- A heart condition referred to as "sick sinus syndrome";
- An electrolyte imbalance (such as lower levels of magnesium, potassium, or magnesium in the blood) an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood)
- Liver disease.
It isn't known if this medication will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
It is not recommended to breastfeed while using this medication. Talk to your doctor about any risks.
How to Take the Flecainide?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter the dosage. Follow the medication precisely as prescribed.
It is possible to receive your first few doses at an institution or clinic to treat any adverse side effects.
The heart rate of your patient will be recorded using an electrocardiograph, or ECG (sometimes known as the EKG). This will allow your doctor to determine the duration of treatment for your heart with the drug flecainide.
There is a chance that you'll need regular blood tests to monitor your kidney and liver functions.
Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.
Details on Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Ventricular Tachycardia:
Initial dose: 100 mg taken orally every 12 hours.
Maintenance dose: It can be increased by small doses, 50 mg each day for 4 consecutive days, until a level of efficacy is reached. The majority of patients suffering from sustained VTE don't have to take more than 300 mg per day for 12 to 24 hours. The maximum dosage recommended is 400 mg daily.
Usual Adult Dose for Atrial Fibrillation:
Initial dosage: 50 mg in a single dose every twelve hours.
Maintenance dose: can be increased by steps of up to 50 mg daily for 4 days or until a certain level of efficacy is attained.
Usual Adult Dose for Atrial Flutter:
Initial dosage: 50 mg orally for 12 hours.
Maintenance dose: can be increased by steps of up to 50 mg daily for 4 days or until a certain level of efficacy is attained.
Usual Adult Dose for Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome:
Initial dosage: 50 mg taken in a single dose every twelve hours.
Maintenance dose: can be increased by steps of up to 50 mg each day for 4 consecutive days until a certain level of efficacy is reached.
Usual Adult Dose for Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia:
Initial dose: 50 mg taken orally every 12 hours.
Maintenance dose: can be increased by small doses (50 mg daily for 4 days or until a certain level of efficacy is attained).
Usual Pediatric Dose for Supraventricular Tachycardia:
less than one month:
Supraventricular Tachycardia: There is no information available. In the beginning, 2 mg/kg/day divided orally over 12 hours; titrate according to the clinical response; and monitor the serum concentration and dose required to stop the SVT. 3.35 +/- 1.35 mg/kg/day in 17 newborns (n = 20 treated neonates) (Mean PNA: 11.5 days, average GA: 36.8 weeks, and mean birth weight of 2.8 kg.) The study didn't provide results on serum levels.
1 month or more:
Initial dose: between 1 and 3 mg/kg/day, orally in 50 to 100 mg/m2/day by mouth in 3 divided doses; typical dose: 3–6 mg/kg/day, or 100–150 mg/m2/day in 3 doses, as high as 8 mg/kg/day, or 200 mg/m2/day for patients who have subtherapeutic levels. Higher doses have been documented, but they could be associated with a higher chance of developing arrhythmias. A study of the literature in the world has revealed a median dose effective of 4 mg/kg/day. This is 140 mg/m2/day.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but do not take your missed dose if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, a slow heart rate, fainting, or seizures (convulsions).
What Should be Avoided?
Follow the doctor's advice regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, particularly:
- Digoxin;
- A diuretic, or "water pill";
- Beta-blocker (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, and more);
- Other heart-related medications, such as amiodarone, diazem, diltiazem, quinidine, nifedipine, or verapamil;
- Seizure medication.
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interact with flecainide, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs may not be listed here. are listed here.
