Products
Flecainide is commercially available as tablets and as a solution for injection (Tambocor). It has been approved in many countries since 1984.
Structure and properties
Flecainide (C17H20F6N2O3, Mr = 414.3 g/mol) is present in drugs as flecainide acetate, a white, crystalline, and very hygroscopic powder that is soluble in water. It is an amide-type local anesthetic and a piperidine and benzamide derivative. Flecainide is related to procainamide and encainide.
Effects
Flecainide (ATC C01BC04) has antiarrhythmic properties. The effects are due to blockade of cardiac sodium channels. The half-life is approximately 20 hours.
Indications
For the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The tablets are usually taken twice daily. The German technical information recommends taking the tablets on an empty stomach.
Contraindications
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Flecainide is metabolized via CYP2D6. Drug-drug interactions include those with CYP inhibitors and inducers and with other antiarrhythmic agents.
Adverse effects
Flecainide, like other antiarrhythmic agents, can itself cause cardiac arrhythmias. The most common possible adverse effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, visual disturbances, and respiratory disturbances (dyspnea).