Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Flecainide is prescribed to safeguard against specific life-threatening irregular heart rhythms. This medication falls under the category of antiarrhythmics and functions by retarding electrical impulses within the heart, thereby restoring and maintaining a stable heart rhythm.
Uses and Dosage
Flecainide is available in tablet form for oral consumption. Typically, it is taken once every 12 hours, although some individuals may require dosing every 8 hours to manage side effects or if their medical condition necessitates more frequent administration.
Consistency in timing is key, so aim to take flecainide at approximately the same times daily. Adhere precisely to your doctor’s directives, do not deviate from the prescribed dosage or frequency.
Initiating treatment with flecainide may involve hospitalization. During this period and throughout your course of flecainide therapy, your doctor will closely monitor your progress.
Typically, your doctor will initiate treatment with a low dose of flecainide, with gradual dose increments occurring at intervals of no more than once every 4 days. Additionally, your doctor may reduce your dose once your condition is under control.
While flecainide can manage your condition, it is not curative. Therefore, even if you feel well, it is essential to continue taking flecainide as prescribed. Discontinuing the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor may exacerbate your condition, potentially leading to deterioration in your health.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dizziness
- changes in vision
- headache
- weakness
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body
- constipation
- stomach pain
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- extreme tiredness
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- persistent cough with blood-tinged mucus
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- confusion
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- flu-like symptoms
Caution
Before commencing flecainide treatment, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies, including allergies to flecainide or any other allergens. This medication may contain inactive constituents capable of triggering allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
Before using this medication, provide your doctor or pharmacist with a comprehensive account of your medical history, with particular attention to kidney problems, liver issues, and other heart conditions, such as a previous heart attack or the presence of a heart pacemaker.
Flecainide may induce dizziness, and the concurrent use of alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can exacerbate this effect. Refrain from activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you are confident in your ability to do so safely.
Flecainide has the potential to cause QT prolongation, a condition affecting heart rhythm. In rare cases, QT prolongation can lead to serious, and on occasion, fatal consequences, such as rapid or irregular heartbeat, accompanied by symptoms like severe dizziness or fainting, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in your bloodstream may also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk could be heightened by the use of particular medications, such as diuretics (“water pills”), or by certain conditions like severe perspiration, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, particularly QT prolongation.
In cases of pregnancy, the use of this medication should be considered only when it is absolutely necessary. Engage in a thorough discussion with your doctor regarding the potential risks and benefits.
Flecainide can pass into breast milk, although it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while undergoing treatment with this medication.
Form and Strength
Tambocor is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Tambocor tablet:
- 50mg
-
flecainide tablet:
- 50mg
- 100mg
FAQ
How long can a person stay on Tambocor?
Tambocor can control arrhythmia, but it cannot cure it. You may take Tambocor for a long period of time, even for the rest of your life.
How long does it take your body to adjust to Tambocor?
It will typically take up to 5 days for you to see the full effect after starting Tambocor or after each dose change.
Resources
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/17006-antiarrhythmic-medications-flecainide
- https://www.goodrx.com/flecainide/what-is#faqs
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608040.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/flecainide-oral-route/description/drg-20063854
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6116/tambocor-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/tambocor.html
