Introduction
The drug Flecainide is used to treat and prevent abnormally rapid heart rates. Ventricular and supraventricular tachycardias are included in this. Its usage is advised only in cases when existing therapies are ineffective for severe symptoms or in individuals with potentially fatal arrhythmias. The risk for mortality is not reduced by using it. It can be injected into a vein or administered orally.
Dizziness, vision issues, dyspnea, chest discomfort, and fatigue are common adverse effects. Arrhythmias, heart failure, and cardiac arrest are examples of serious adverse effects. It may be utilized during pregnancy, though it has not been carefully investigated in this demographic. Those who have ischemia or structural heart problems should not take this medication. Flecainide is an agent of class Ic antiarrhythmic. It prolongs the ventricular action potential by reducing the amount of sodium that enters heart cells.
In 1985, Flecainide received Food and Drug Administration approval for use in medicine. It can be purchased as a generic drug. With close to two million prescriptions, it ranked as the 188th most often prescribed drug in the United States in 2022.
What Are the Medical Uses of Flecainide Tablets?
Numerous supraventricular tachycardias(rapid cardiac rhythms frequently include the atria and start above the ventricles of the heart) are treated with Flecainide. Additionally, it is only somewhat effective in treating some ventricular tachycardia (VT)(rapid cardiac rhythm that starts in the ventricles) types. Flecainide has shown promise, in particular, in the management of ventricular tachycardias that do not occur in conjunction with an acute ischemic event. It has been used to reduce arrhythmias (an irregular heartbeat that interferes with the heart's regular electrical activity). The use of Flecainide may aid in the identification of Electrocardiogram abnormalities indicative of Brugada syndrome(unusual heart rhythms linked to a rare inherited cardiac condition that may cause abrupt cardiac arrest) in patients who are suspected of having the condition. When the diagnosis is unclear, this might aid in making the diagnosis. The medication Flecainide is now used to treat pediatric arrhythmias. Flecainide appears to be safe over the long run when used in healthy individuals without symptoms of ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or left ventricular hypertrophy(left ventricular enlargement and thickening).
What Is the Mechanism of Action of Flecainide Tablets?
Flecainide functions by obstructing sodium channels, which slows down the electrical impulses in the heart. This lowers the heart's excitability, which has an impact on the ventricular muscle and the His-Purkinje system. It lowers the ejection fraction, or the heart's capacity to pump blood. Flecainide can be used to treat rapid heart rhythms since it is more effective at higher heart rates. It also suppresses a calcium regulator, which lowers the possibility of aberrant calcium signals in the heart.
What Are the Side Effects of Flecainide Tablets?
Flecainide should not be taken by people with cardiac problems or certain heart rhythm disorders, according to the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST). In some situations, the dosage of Flecainide may need to be changed. It can induce potentially fatal cardiac rhythms, particularly when used with certain medications or when potassium levels are low. Adjusting dosages may also be necessary for problems with the kidneys or liver. Flecainide should be used with caution, especially in elderly or heart disease patients, since it might exacerbate heart failure and impair the heart's pumping capacity in certain individuals. Pacemakers may be impacted as well.
Due to the limited safety window of Flecainide, physicians need to be alert for any symptoms of toxicity. Since it is impractical to do routine plasma testing, toxicity detection is difficult. Abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythms and possible heart failure symptoms are indicators of toxicity. If toxicity occurs, treatment involves increasing drug excretion, blocking its effects, and sometimes providing cardiovascular support. Two effective methods are to provide a sodium solution and to use certain drugs. In extreme situations, cardiopulmonary bypass may be required for short-term cardiac support. Additionally, Flecainide can cause lung problems, such as drug-related lung disease.
Dizziness, eyesight problems, headaches, weakness, uncontrolled shaking, constipation, and stomach discomfort are a few possible symptoms. Certain adverse effects do not require to be treated right away, while others must. A fast or irregular pulse, chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, blood-tinged mucus in the cough, swelling in the extremities, confusion, unusual bleeding or bruises, upper right stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and flu-like symptoms are all considered serious symptoms.
What Special Precautions Should One Follow While Using Flecainide Tablets?
Before using Flecainide:
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Inform healthcare providers about allergies to Flecainide or other drugs.
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Provide an accurate list of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and prescription and over-the-counter medications.
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Mention any drugs that may need to be altered, such as Digoxin, Amiodarone, Acetazolamide, Cimetidine, Beta-blockers, Carbamazepine, and others.
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If there is a history of cardiac problems, abnormal potassium levels, a pacemaker, a heart block, or liver or renal illness, inform the doctor.
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Adhere to a strict vegetarian diet.
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Inform the doctor if you are nursing a child, planning to get pregnant, or both.
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Talk about possible effects with the appropriate healthcare providers before having surgery or getting dental procedures done.
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Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
But if the next dose is near, skip the one missed dose and avoid taking two doses.
How to Use Flecainide Tablets?
Flecainide is taken orally as a pill. It is normally given once every twelve hours, although some people may need to take a dose every eight hours because of adverse effects. Consistency in timing is critical. Follow the directions on the prescription label exactly, and ask the physician for clarification if necessary. Do not change the medication quantity or frequency without consulting a doctor. For meticulous monitoring at the beginning of treatment, hospitalization could be required. The physician will start patients on a low dose and increase it gradually every four days as needed. Once the situation stabilizes, doctors may lower the dosage even further. Flecainide treats the illness, but it is not a cure. Therefore, continue the medication as directed even if feeling well.
Conclusion
Flecainide is an essential drug used to treat a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. It works by mainly blocking sodium channels and controlling the heart's electrical impulses. Though effective, caution is advised because of possible adverse effects and drug interactions. Strict observation is necessary to guarantee safety and effectiveness, especially during commencement and dose modifications. For the best possible results from their therapy, patients must rigorously stick to recommended doses and follow-up schedules.
