Is your heartbeat irregular? Let's talk about Flecainide!

Do you sometimes feel like your heart is beating like crazy, or suddenly it starts beating very fast, then stops? Or has anyone you know had this experience? These types of heart rhythm irregularities can sometimes be very dangerous. A special medicine used in such cases is called flecainide. Let's talk about this in more detail today, okay?

What is Flecainide?

Simply put, Flecainide is a prescription-only medication that is prescribed by a doctor. It belongs to a class of drugs called antiarrhythmics . These are medications that help regulate the rhythm of the heart. It is used to treat severe, life-threatening irregular heartbeats . You may also have heard of it under the brand name Tambocor®.

What is Flecainide used for?

This medication is not for everyone. Flecainide is used to treat very specific, life-threatening heart rhythm disorders . It is mainly used to treat a condition called Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) .

Now you may be wondering what PSVT is. Our heart has four main chambers. Normally, these chambers beat in a very orderly manner, connected to each other, that is, they beat. But in PSVT, what happens is that there is a sudden, rapid heartbeat that starts somewhere in the upper chambers of the heart (that is, above the atria). This can come on suddenly and also disappear just as quickly.

Some other examples of PSVT are:

• Atrial Fibrillation: This is when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat very rapidly and irregularly, like a drum beating madly.
• Atrial Flutter: Here the atrial rhythm is much faster than normal.
• Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT): This is also a rapid heartbeat caused by another problem in the heart's electrical signaling system.

In addition, Flecainide can also be used for life-threatening ventricular tachycardia , a rapid heartbeat that begins in the lower chambers of the heart.

How does Flecainide work?

In simple terms, what Flecainide does is it controls the electrical signals that travel through our heart. In order for the heart to beat, it needs an electrical signal. This medicine slows down the speed of those signals, or blocks some of the unwanted signals. This is how the heart rate is stabilized and the irregular rhythm is corrected. Think of it like controlling the speed of a car. This medicine does this to the heart's electrical system.

How to take Flecainide?

Flecainide comes in the form of tablets. It should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor . The usual dose is two tablets a day, one every 12 hours . You can take it with or without food. However, it is important to take it at the same time every day .

The dose you are given when starting the medication can vary from person to person. Usually, you start with 50 milligrams (mg) or 100 milligrams (mg). This depends on the type of heart rhythm disorder you have. After that, your doctor will check you every few days and may gradually increase the dose until you find the right dose for you.

There are several other factors that will determine the dosage you will be given:

• your age.
• Other illnesses you have and your overall health.
• What other medications are you currently taking?
• How your body responds to the medicine.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother, that also affects you.

Your doctor will monitor you closely when you start taking this medicine and for as long as you take it . You may be hospitalized during the first few days of treatment so that you can get immediate treatment for any adverse reactions.

What are the benefits of this?

The most important thing to remember is that flecainide is only used for people with serious, life-threatening heart rhythm disorders . This medication helps control that irregular, fast heartbeat, preventing stroke and sudden cardiac death . This means it can be a life-saving medication.

What are the risks of using Flecainide?

Like any medication, Flecainide has some risks. That's why it should only be taken under the full supervision of a doctor. The main risks that can occur are:

• Allergic reaction.
• The risk of having another heart attack in someone who has had a previous heart attack.
• An existing heart rhythm disorder may become worse, or a new disorder may develop .
• Heart failure , also known as congestive heart failure .
• Liver problems.
• Kidney problems.

Therefore, doctors regularly monitor liver and kidney function in people taking flecainide.

This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed . If breastfeeding mothers take this medicine, it is important to measure how much of the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk.

What happens if you take too much Flecainide?

Overdose of flecainide can be fatal . That's why it's important to take exactly the dose your doctor tells you to take. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But it should be within six hours. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never double up on the next dose. If this happens, tell your doctor right away.

What are the side effects of Flecainide?

Flecainide can cause some side effects. Some of these are normal and will go away in a few days. But some are more serious. If you experience any side effects that are severe or do not go away in a few days, you should definitely tell your doctor.

Commonly seen side effects:

• Constipation – This means difficulty going to the toilet.
• Dizziness.
• Headaches .
• Stomach pain.
• Tremors – This means shaking of the limbs.
• Vision changes – For example, seeing spots in front of the eyes or not seeing clearly.
• Weakness.

If you experience any of these serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately:

• Chest pain.
• Confusion.
• A cough that won't stop, or a cough that brings up blood- tinged phlegm.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Fainting.
• A feeling of a fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Flu-like symptoms, including fever.
• Nausea or loss of appetite.
• Shortness of breath.
• Swelling in the hands, feet or lower legs.
• Sudden weight gain.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Yellowish skin or eyes – This could be a liver problem.

Allergic reactions to flecainide are rare , but can be serious. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Itchy skin.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Wheezing when you breathe.

Can Flecainide interact with other medications?

Yes, it can. If you are taking any other medications, vitamins, or supplements, be sure to tell your doctor about them . Some medications can interact with Flecainide, which can change how Flecainide works or increase side effects.

Some medications that may interact with Flecainide include:

• Acetazolamide – A medication used to treat altitude sickness and glaucoma.
• Antacids – Medicines taken for things like stomach upset and indigestion.
• Antiseizure medications – for example, phenytoin, phenobarbital.
• Beta-blockers – medications that lower blood pressure.
• HIV treatments – such as ritonavir and tipranavir.
• Medications for Tourette syndrome – such as pimozide.
• Other antiarrhythmic medications – for example, amiodarone, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol.
• Some antibiotics – like erythromycin.
• Some antifungals – like fluconazole.
• Medicines for stomach ulcers – such as cimetidine.

This list is not complete, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

How long should I take Flecainide?

Flecainide can control your irregular heartbeat. However, it does not cure the condition completely . This means you may need to take this medicine for a long time, possibly for the rest of your life.

Never stop taking flecainide without talking to your doctor . If you continue taking the medication, your heart condition may worsen.

Who is not suitable for Flecainide?

If you have certain other medical conditions, especially other heart conditions, flecainide may not be right for you. Your doctor will check all of these before giving you this medicine. Flecainide is usually not given to people with these conditions:

• Bundle Branch Block: This occurs when the electrical signals needed to make the heart beat are delayed or blocked as they pass through the heart.
• Other disorders that cause the heart rate to slow down: For example, heart block, also called atrioventricular or AV block , or sick sinus syndrome , also called sinus node dysfunction or sinus node disease . These cause the heart rate to slow down abnormally.
• QT Prolongation: This is when the heart muscle takes longer than normal to prepare (recharge) to beat again after one beat.
• Structural problems in the heart: These are defects in the shape of the heart or its valves.

Therefore, to know for sure if flecainide is safe for you, you should tell your doctor about all other health conditions you have.

Finally, things to remember

Okay, so we've talked a lot about Flecainide. In short, Flecainide is a prescription antiarrhythmic drug. While it doesn't completely cure irregular heartbeats, it can help control irregular heartbeats and prevent stroke and sudden death.

The most important thing is that while you are taking this medicine, your doctor will check you regularly . This is to check if the medicine is causing any other heart problems, or kidney or liver problems. So, take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to, and don't miss your appointments. If you have any questions or doubts, don't be afraid to ask your doctor. You are the one who should be most aware of your health.

` Flecainide, Heartbeat Irregularities, Tambocor, PSVT, Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Disease, Medication