Flecainide Acetate

Flecainide is a medication used to treat irregular heart rhythms. This drug works by regulating the flow of sodium in heart cells. Flecainide belongs to a class of medications called anti-arrhythmic drugs. Flecainide is a generic drug also sold under the brand name Tambocor. This drug became available generically in 2004. In the treatment of some heartbeat abnormalities, flecainide use is common.

• Tambocor

• Flecainide Acetate
• Propafenone HCl
• Propafenone HCl ER
• Rythmol
• Rythmol SR
• Tambocor

• Tablet

• By mouth

You may need to carry identification stating that you are taking flecainide. Ask your doctor about this.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

You will receive your first dose of this medicine in a hospital. Your doctor will watch you closely after you take this medicine to make sure you do not have any serious side effects.

In infants (less than 2 years of age) who drink a lot of milk, your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine when it is time to reduce the amount of milk your infant is receiving, or if they develop gastroenteritis. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about this.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to flecainide or if you have certain heart problems. Your doctor will determine if this medicine is right for you.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (such as prolonged PR, QRS, or QT intervals or sick sinus syndrome), a recent heart attack, congestive heart failure, or if you have a pacemaker.

Check with your doctor right away if you develop any of the following: chest pain; shortness of breath; swelling of your hands, ankles, or feet; or weight gain. These may be symptoms of heart failure.

This medicine can cause changes in your heart rhythm, such as conditions called PR, QRS, or QT prolongation. It may cause fainting or serious side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor right away if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Tremors.

Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Check with your doctor right away if you develop any of the following: chest pain; shortness of breath; swelling of your hands, ankles, or feet; or weight gain. These may be symptoms of heart failure.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, disopyramide, quinidine, Cardioquin®, Cordarone®, Norpace®, or Quinaglute®), certain blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, diltiazem, metoprolol, nifedipine, propranolol, timolol, verapamil, Adalat®, Calan®, Cardizem®, Inderal®, Isoptin®, Procardia®, Toprol®, or Verelan®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), or a diuretic or "water pill" (such as hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], furosemide, torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®).

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

This medicine can cause changes in your heart rhythm, such as conditions called PR, QRS, or QT prolongation. It may cause fainting or serious side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor right away if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain.
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever or chills.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Shortness of breath or troubled breathing.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Tremors.
• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or stomach pain or cramps.
• Headache.
• Vision changes such as trouble focusing or seeing spots.
• Tiredness or weakness.