Flecainide Acetate (Oral)

Flecainide Acetate (By Mouth)

Flecainide Acetate (fle-KAY-nide AS-e-tate)

Treats irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias).Belongs to a class of drugs called class antiarrhythmics.

Brand Name(s):
Tambocor
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to flecainide. This drug should not be taken if you have certain heart disorders - check with your doctor.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

     
  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.  
  • Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered, even if you feel fine.  
  • May be taken with food, milk, or antacids to avoid stomach upset.  
  • You may need to carry identification stating that you are taking flecainide. Ask your doctor about this.

If a dose is missed:

     
  • If you take your medicine 2 times a day and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible unless you are more than 6 hours late.  
  • If you are more than 6 hours late, skip the missed dose, and take your medicine at your usual time.  
  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

     
  • Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.  
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

     
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any other heart medicines such as Lanoxinreg;, Cordaronereg;, or Rythmolreg;.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

     
  • Check with your doctor before taking if you have kidney or liver disease, a recent heart attack, or if you have a pacemaker.  
  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking flecainide before having any kind of surgery.  
  • Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.  
  • Talk with your doctor before taking flecainide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  
  • Flecainide may make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

     
  • Irregular heartbeat  
  • Chest pain  
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing  
  • Fever or chills  
  • Skin rash, severe itching or hives  
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

     
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness  
  • Headache  
  • Nausea or vomiting  
  • Diarrhea or constipation  
  • Stomach cramps or loss of appetite  
  • Trembling or shaking  
  • Tiredness or weakness  
  • Vision changes such as trouble focusing or seeing spots

Johns Hopkins patient information

Copyright 1996-2014 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 16.02.
Revision date: July 9, 2011
Last revised: by Janet A. Staessen, MD, PhD

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.