We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Flecainide Acetate?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,301
Share

Flecainide acetate is a medication prescribed to treat some types of irregular heartbeats that may become fatal, such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia or persistent ventricular tachycardia. It cannot be used to treat all types of irregular heartbeats, such as persistent atrial fibrilation. This drug is an antiarrhythmic medicine that works to maintain a steady heartbeat by slowing down certain electrical signals. Before using this medication, patients should be aware that flecainide acetate can rarely cause them to develop a new type of dangerous, irregular heartbeat. In addition, those who have had a heart attack in the two years prior to taking this drug may be more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack while on flecainide acetate.

Adults will usually be prescribed one dosage every 12 hours; however, some may need a dose every eight hours. The initial dosages are usually taken in a hospital so the doctor may monitor the patient's reaction to the drug. Patients may begin treatment with a smaller dose of the drug, to be gradually increased no sooner than every four days. Each dose may be taken with or without food.

Some side effects may occur while using flecainide acetate, which should be reported to the prescribing physician if they become severe. Patients may experience nausea, stomach pain, and constipation. Shortness of breath, uncontrollable shaking, and weakness, along with fatigue have also been reported. Dizziness and vision problems, such as seeing spots or blurred vision, may also occur.

More serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Rarely, patients may faint or they may experience severe dizziness and a rapid or more irregular heartbeat. Some patients may notice side effects that could indicate worsening heart failure, such as shortness of breath while they lie down, swelling of the legs or ankles, and increased tiredness. Other serious side effects can include coughing with bloody mucus, pain in the upper portion of the stomach, and loss of appetite.

Before using flecainide acetate to treat an irregular heartbeat, patients must disclose their other medical conditions. Women who are pregnant should avoid its use whenever possible. This drug may pass into breast milk; however, it is not expected to cause harm to a nursing infant. Flecainide acetate may be contraindicated for use by those who have low levels of potassium, kidney problems, or liver disease.

This antiarrhythmic agent may interact with other medications. Patients should disclose all other drugs and supplements they take, including beta blockers, phenobarbital, and sodium bicarbonate. Flecainide acetate may also interact with antacids, verapamil, and quinidine.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-flecainide-acetate.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.