Flecainide
Description
Flecainide is an anti-arrhythmic medicine which is used to prevent life-threatening heart rhythm disorders. It belongs to a group of medicines called Class 1C antiarrhythmic agents.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Flecainide
- Headache and dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Increase in heart rate
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Increased sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
Uses of Flecainide
What is it prescribed for?
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Wolff Parkinson White syndrome
- Atrial Flutter
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired effects is necessary.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to flecainide or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Heart block greater than first degree
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with second or third-degree AV block unless if there is a pacemaker present to maintain heart rhythm.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired effects is necessary.
General warnings
Electrolyte abnormalities
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients having an electrolyte imbalance in the body. An altered level of ions like magnesium and sodium affects the absorption of this medicine, reducing effectiveness. Hence, the electrolyte imbalance should be corrected in such patients before starting therapy with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition
Driving and operating machinery
This medicine may cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, etc. in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Hypotension
This medicine may cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and hence should be used with caution in patients with low blood pressure due to increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Use in elderly population
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in elderly patients due to the risk of adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with kidney impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with kidney impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
QT Prolongation
This medicine may cause prolongation of the QT interval and worsen the patient's condition. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Sick sinus syndrome
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with sick sinus syndrome (heart rhythm disorder) due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Escitalopram
Ciprofloxacin
Verapamil
Amiodarone
Clarithromycin
Disease interactions
Cardiovascular disorders
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from any heart disease that affects the blood pumping capacity and the normal rhythm. An alternate therapy should be considered based on the diagnosis made.
Electrolyte imbalance
This medicine should be used with caution in patients having an electrolyte imbalance in the body. An altered level of ions like magnesium and sodium affects the absorption of this medicine, reducing effectiveness.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by slowing electrical signals generated by the heart to restore and maintain a normal heartbeat.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Class IC antiarrhythmics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2019 [cited 9 May 2019]. Available from:
Flecainide Acetate 100 mg tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 21 September 2018]. Available from:
Flecainide [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 21 September 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Gp2u.com.au. 2018 [cited 21 September 2018]. Available from:
Flecainide: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019 [cited 9 May 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 9 May 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.