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| Pronunciation |
|
 (fle
KAY
nide) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Tambocor™ |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class I-C |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to flecainide or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have electrical problems in the heart without a pacemaker to
fix them or coronary artery disease.
- If you are taking ritonavir or
amprenavir.
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|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to treat abnormal, rapid heartbeats called
arrhythmias.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Flecainide tries to normalize the heartbeats by slowing the current
through the heart.
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|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Shake well
first.
|
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with
healthcare provider.
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|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Wear disease medical alert identification for your condition.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are on cimetidine or ritonavir.
- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
- Tell healthcare provider if you have had chest pain or pressure,
angina, or a history of a heart attack.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
|
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|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Feeling tired, dizzy, or having blurred vision. Avoid driving, doing
other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this
medicine affects you.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy,
or chewing gum may help.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Chest pains, chest pressure, or fast heartbeats.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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|
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store tablets in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
- Store suspension in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw
away in 45 days.
|
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|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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