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Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Cardiovascular Agent Tambocor Adult, Children

Flecainide - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Flecainide cause?

Common side effects include:

  • Headache, dizziness
    • Try to avoid sudden changes in posture – stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions, and sit or lie down if feeling giddy.
  • Problems with your vision – sudden change (blurring) in eyesight, yellow vision
    • Do not drive or operate tools or heavy machinery if your vision is affected. Your doctor may also recommend an eyesight test to monitor for such side-effects.
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset (constipation, diarrhea)
  • Decreased appetite

For infants and young children, blood tests may be required to monitor the level of flecainide. A gene test may also be required to guide drug dosing and for making dose adjustments.

It is very important that you are on regular follow-up with your doctor to monitor for any possible side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any of the following side-effects.

This medication may worsen existing abnormal heart rhythm, or cause new irregular heartbeats. Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm include one or more of the following:

  • Irregular heartbeat e.g. slowed heartbeat or palpitations
  • Severe dizziness or fainting spells
  • Difficulties in breathing or chest pain

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Flecainide , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
  • You have kidney or liver disease.
  • You have a heart condition known as heart failure, or recently had a heart attack.
  • You have a pacemaker or defibrillator.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Flecainide ?

Some medications may interact with Flecainide and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side-effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

  • Medications for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin)
  • Medications for fungal infections (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole)
  • Medications for viral infections (e.g. Ritonavir)

Consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether your existing medications can be taken together with this medication.

Flecainide - Additional Information

  • Updated on 9/30/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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