Flecainide Acetate

Flecainide Acetate tablets belong to a group of medicines called anti-arrhythmics. Anti-arrhythmics work by controlling the rate and rhythm of the heart. Flecainide Acetate tablets are used to treat arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), tachycardia (heart beating too fast), and atrial fibrillation (rapid contractions of muscles in the heart).

It is important for your doctor to treat these conditions quickly and effectively in order to prevent more serious heart problems from developing.

• Supraventricular Arrhythmias: Used for irregular heart beat that starts in the upper chambers of the heart.
• Ventricular Arrhythmias: Used for irregular heart beat that starts in the lower chambers of the heart.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Used for rapid contractions of muscles in the heart.

Anti-arrhythmic drugs

Class IC Anti-arrhythmic

Flecainide blocks fast inward sodium channels and slowly unbinds during diastole, prolonging the refractory period of the heart. This blockade also shortens the duration of action potentials through the Purkinjie fibers. Flecainide also prevents delayed rectifier potassium channels from opening, lengthening the action potential through ventricular and atrial muscle fibers.

Flecainide blocks fast sodium channels to prolong the refractory period of the heart and control arrhythmias.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Supraventricular Arrhythmias: 50 mg twice a day; up to 300 mg daily.
• Ventricular Arrhythmias: 100 mg twice a day; up to 400 mg daily.
• Elderly and patients with kidney/heart problems: Lower dose may be required.

Child Dose: Not recommended for children under 12 years.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it.

If you miss a dose of Flecainide Acetate, take it as soon as possible; however, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Common Side Effects (up to 1 in 10):

• Heartbeat changes (palpitations, faster or slower heartbeat)
• Chest pain
• Breathlessness
• Fever, flushing, sweating
• Fainting or feeling faint

Rare Side Effects (up to 1 in 1,000):

• Ringing in ears
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Seizures

Precautions:

• Inform doctor if you have high blood pressure, angina, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.
• Inform doctor if you wear a pacemaker.
• Your doctor may perform check-ups during treatment (fluid levels, liver and kidney function).

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity
• Heart failure
• Cardiogenic shock
• Heart block
• Long-standing atrial fibrillation
• Heart valve or conduction problems
• Sinus node dysfunction
• Myocardial infarction
• Brugada Syndrome
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Drug Interactions:

• Antiarrhythmics, cardiac glycosides, beta-blockers, verapamil, propranolol, amiodarone: May interact.
• Antihypertensives: May affect blood pressure.
• Antidepressants (tricyclic, fluoxetine, paroxetine, reboxetine): May interact.
• Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine): May interact.
• Antihistamines (mizolastine, terfenadine): May interact.

Food Interactions: It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Flecainide Acetate; consult your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy: Limited data on use during pregnancy; consult your doctor.

Use in Lactation: Limited data on use during breastfeeding; consult your doctor.

Pediatric Use: Not recommended for children under 12 years.

Geriatric Use: Lower dose may be required in elderly patients (due to kidney or heart problems).

Renal Impairment: Lower dose may be required in patients with kidney disease; consult your doctor.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver disease.

Overdose: Limited information on overdose; symptomatic treatment.

Storage: Keep below 30 degree C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Flecainide Acetate