Flecainide Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (fleck-UH-nide)
Flecainide Oral Uses
This medication is used to treat a certain serious (possibly life-threatening), persistent, abnormally fast heartbeat (sustained ventricular tachycardia). It is also used to treat occasional, disabling, abnormally fast heartbeats (e.g., paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter). Flecainide belongs to a class of drugs known as antidysrhythmics. It works by blocking the abnormal electrical activity of an irregular heartbeat so that the normal heartbeat can occur.
How To Use Flecainide Oral
This medication may be started at a low dose in the hospital so that your doctor can determine the best dose, increase it gradually as needed, and monitor you closely for side effects.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. If your abnormal heartbeat is not easily controlled, your doctor may prescribe this medication 3 times daily.
Milk may partly block the absorption of this medication into the bloodstream of infants. Contact your infants doctor if you plan to add or remove milk from the diet.
Dosage is based on your age, kidney and liver function, medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and response to therapy.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other heart medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause your abnormal heartbeat to return. Do not run out of this medication. Order your refills several days early to avoid running out of pills.
Contact your doctor immediately and seek emergency medical attention (e.g., call 911, have someone else drive you to a hospital emergency room) if your condition persists or worsens.
