Flecainide

Information about Flecainide

Flecainide Uses

Flecainide is used in the treatment of Arrhythmia.

How Flecainide works

Flecainide is an anti-arrhythmic medication. It works by blocking abnormal electrical signals in the heart to correct irregular heartbeat to a normal rhythm.

Common side effects of Flecainide

Heart failure, Ventricular arrhythmia
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Betina Chandolia
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
30 Jun 2022 | 08:13 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Flecainide

FlecariteTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹211 to ₹3682 variant(s)
NormabeatTas Med India Pvt Ltd
₹190 to ₹3652 variant(s)

Expert advice for Flecainide

  • It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or perform activities require mental focus until you know how it affects you.
  • Do not start any medicine including prescription or over-the-counter medicines without informing your doctor, as they may alter Flecainide levels in your body.
  • Your doctor may get blood tests done to check your sodium and potassium levels, kidney function, and lung function before starting treatment with this medicine.
  • Your doctor may regularly monitor blood sugar level while taking this medicine.
  • Inform your doctor if you experience slow or fast heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath.
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
  • Do not stop taking medication suddenly without talking to your doctor. 

Frequently asked questions for Flecainide

Flecainide

Q. Is Flecainide a beta blocker?

No, Flecainide is not a beta blocker. It belongs to anti-arrythmic class of medicines. It works by blocking the fast sodium channels in the heart, thereby treating it's abnormal rhythm (arrythmias). It slows down certain electrical impulses generated in the heart and stabilizes it.

Q. Is weight gain a side effect of Flecainide?

No, weight gain is not a side effect of Flecainide. But, it may cause conditions like heart failure and edema (fluid retention) as a side effect. Edema is a condition in which the body swells as the body starts retaining fluid. Due to this, it may appear that you have gained weight. Edema can be due to many reasons, among those heart failure is one. Contact your doctor in case this happens.

Q. Can you drink milk with Flecainide?

Interference with the absorption of Flecainide have been observed when taken with dairy products (milk, infant formula, and possibly yoghurt). This decreases the level of medicine in the blood and as a result desired effect is not seen. However, it was observed that Flecainide side effects were more in children who reduced their milk intake Hence, the dose of Flecainide needs to be modified accordingly if there is a change in the quantity of milk intake.

Q. Does Flecainide lower your heart rate?

Yes, Flecainide may lower your heart rate. It may also cause an increase in heart rate, palpitations, decrease in blood pressure, heart block, and heart attack. Therefore, your doctor may start the treatment in a hospital setting and continuously monitor your condition during the course of treatment. Initially, you will be started on a low dose and then the dose may be gradually increased. Your doctor may also decrease your dose once your condition is controlled.

Q. Is Flecainide a dangerous drug?

Evidence suggests that the use of Flecainide in patients who had experienced heart attacks within the past 2 years have shown a high possibility of developing another heart attack or death than in people who did not take Flecainide. However, there is not enough information available to conclude that people taking Flecainide have an increased risk of heart attack or death who have not had a heart attack within the past 2 years. Considering the risks involved Flecainide should only be used in people with life-threatening irregular heartbeats. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Flecainide.

Q. Can I take Flecainide and metoprolol at the same time?

You should inform your doctor if you are on metoprolol before starting Flecainide. You should not start metoprolol on your own while you are on Flecainide. However, in some studies it has been observed that taking a combination of Flecainide and metoprolol may be helpful in improving rhythm control in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (condition in which the upper chambers of the heart do not beat effectively). It helps in controlling the condition more effectively, with better tolerability, fewer side effects, and better compliance.

Q. Can I take Flecainide once a day?

Take Flecainide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe a personalized dose for you adjusted to fit your complaints. Take the medicines with sufficient quantity of water. The daily dose is usually taken split up over the day, on an empty stomach or at least one hour before meals.

Q. Does Flecainide cause insomnia?

Yes, Flecainide can cause both insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep) as well as sleepiness. It may also cause dizziness and visual disturbances. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery as it can be hazardous for you. Discuss with your doctor if you are not sure.

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