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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Flecainide

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Flecainide


  • Do not stop taking flecainide, even if you feel well without speaking to your doctor first.
  • Flecainide may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, and less alert or to have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to Flecainide before you drive, use machinery, or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see well.

About flecainide

Type of medicineAnti-arrhythmic
Used forHeart arrhythmias
Also calledTambocor
Tambocor XL
Available asTablets
Modified-release tablets (release flecainide slowly to give a more even effect)
Injection

Flecainide is used to treat arrhythmias within the heart. An arrhythmia is an irregularity in the heartbeat, which causes the heart to skip a beat, beat irregularly, beat very fast or very slow.
Flecainide works by correcting irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm and by slowing an overactive heart.

Before taking flecainide

Before taking flecainide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney or liver problems
  • If you have heart failure, have ever had a heart attack or have a pacemaker fitted
  • If you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina

How to take flecainide

  • Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Do not stop taking flecainide, even if you feel well without speaking to your doctor first.
  • Try to take flecainide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • The modified release tablet should be swallowed whole and not broken or chewed.
  • If you miss a dose of Flecainide take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
  • Flecainide may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, and less alert or to have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to Flecainide before you drive, use machinery, or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see well.
  • Flecainide may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Whilst taking flecainide, you should avoid exposure to strong sunlight and sunbeds and use a sunscreen higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can flecainide cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickDrink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Blurred vision, dizzinessDo not drive or operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you felt dizzy or were not able to see properly.
ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.

Other possible side effects include shortness of breath, hearing or seeing things that aren't real, depression, fits, pins and needles in the hands and feet, itching, unsteadiness, skin rash, hair loss, sweating, loss of appetite, anxiety, pins and needles, problems sleeping.

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes), ringing in the ears, breathlessness, chest pain or if your rapid or irregular heartbeat appears to get worse contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store flecainide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007DocID:
3298		DocRef:
dils2230		Last Reviewed:
3 Oct 2007		Version:
22
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