Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Tambocor
- Antidysrhythmics, Ic
Description
Oral Class IC antiarrhythmic; used to treat documented life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias; should be avoided in LVD or asymptomatic post-MI patients; also approved for prevention of PSVT; not considered first-line agent for suppression of ventricular arrhythmias due to risk of proarrhythmias (CAST trial).
Indications
Indicated for the prevention of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia (i.e., ventricular tachycardia prophylaxis).
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
2nd or 3rd degree AV block, right bundle branch block when associated with left hemiblock (bifascicular block), unless pacemaker is present to sustain cardiac rhythm; discontinue therapy immediately
Adverse Effects
- Visual disturbances (5-16%)
- Dizziness (10-19%)
- Arrhythmias
- Edema (1-4%)
- Asthenia (2-5%)
- Palpitations (2-7%)
- Fatigue (3-8%)
- Tremors (2-5%)
- Constipation (1-4%)
- Nausea (5-9%)
- Chest pain (1-5%)
- Dyspnea (5-10%)
- Headache (5-10%)
- Abdominal pain (1-3%)
- Malaise (1-3%)
- Fever (1-3%)
- Tachycardia (1-3%)
- Sinus pause/arrest (1-3%)
- Vomiting (1-3%)
- Diarrhea (1-3%)
- Dyspepsia (1-3%)
- Anorexia (1-3%)
- Rash (1-3%)
- Diplopia (1-3%)
- Hypoesthesia (1-3%)
- Paresthesia (1-3%)
- Paresis (1-3%)
- Ataxia (1-3%)
- Flushing (1-3%)
- Diaphoresis (1-3%)
- Vertigo (1-3%)
- Syncope (1-3%)
- Somnolence (1-3%)
- Tinnitus (1-3%)
- Anxiety (1-3%)
- Insomnia (1-3%)
- Depression (1-3%)
Warnings
Atrial fibrillation, CHF, hypotension, HTN, post MI patients, geriatrics, proarrhythmia events, hepatic/renal impairment, sick sinus syndrome
May slow cardiac conduction to produce dose-related increases in PR, QRS, and QT intervals; manage patient on lowest effective dose
Discontinuation should be done in hospital
Causes increased mortality in post-AMI period, also with chronic atrial fibrillation
May affect endocardial pacemaker reversibly by increasing endocardial pacing thresholds or suppressing ventricular escape rhythms; do not administer to patients with existing poor thresholds or nonprogrammable pacemakers unless suitable pacing rescue is available
Correct electrolyte imbalances, especially hypomagnesemia or hypokalemia before initiating therapy
May cause visual disturbances
Flecainide may depress LV function significantly with preexisting LV dysfunction
Flecainide should be avoided in patients with HF or structural heart disease
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Enters breast milk
Maximum Dosage
300 mg/day PO for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) prophylaxis, atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter; 400 mg/day PO for ventricular tachycardia prophylaxis.
300 mg/day PO for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) prophylaxis, atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter; 400 mg/day PO for ventricular tachycardia prophylaxis.
200 mg/m2/day PO or 8 mg/kg/day PO.
200 mg/m2/day PO or 8 mg/kg/day PO.
200 mg/m2/day PO or 8 mg/kg/day PO.
200 mg/m2/day PO or 8 mg/kg/day PO.
How supplied
Flecainide acetate
tablet
- 50mg
- 100mg
- 150mg