Flecainide

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat abnormal, rapid heartbeats called arrhythmias.

How does it work?

• Flecainide tries to normalize the heartbeats by slowing the current through the heart.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake well first.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification for your condition.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are on cimetidine or ritonavir.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you know that this medicine does not affect you.
• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• Tell healthcare provider if you have had chest pain or pressure, angina, or a history of a heart attack.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling tired, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Chest pains, chest pressure, or fast heartbeats.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store tablets in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
• Store suspension in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away in 45 days.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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