What is the mechanism of action of flecainide?
Mechanism of Action Flecainide acts on the fast-inward Na+ ion channel and has a high affinity to activated or open Na+ channels. It prolongs the depolarization and increases refractoriness due to slow release from its binding site. It potently acts on the His-Purkinje system.
What medications interact with flecainide?
What may interact with this medicine?
- amoxapine.
- arsenic trioxide.
- certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin, or troleandomycin.
- certain antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, imipramine, or nortriptyline.
Why can flecainide be used in structural heart disease?
Based on the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial study results, flecainide is contraindicated for patients with structural heart disease due to high proarrhythmic risk.
How does flecainide affect the eyes?
Methods: Both eyes of 38 flecainide medicated patients were thoroughly examined including colour vision, contrast sensitivity and visual fields. Results: 10.5% of the patients had blurred vision on lateral gaze lasting for a couple of seconds. Small corneal deposits were found in 14.5% of the patients.
Can flecainide damage the heart?
Flecainide can cause new or worsened abnormal heart rhythms. Depending on your condition, your doctor may first give you this medication in the hospital so that your heart rhythms can be closely monitored. Heart failure warning. Flecainide can cause or worsen heart failure.
When should you not take flecainide?
If you’ve had a heart attack within the past two years, flecainide may raise your risk of having another heart attack, which can be fatal. This drug should only be used if you have a life-threatening irregular heart rate. Tell your doctor if you have atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Can flecainide be stopped suddenly?
Flecainide may control your condition, but will not cure it. Continue to take flecainide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking flecainide without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking flecainide, your condition may become worse.
Can you take flecainide for years?
Take as directed Flecainide oral tablet is used for long-term drug treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you don’t take it at all: The symptoms of your abnormal heart rhythm may not improve or may get worse.