Drug reference
flecainide
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (Anti Arrhythmia)
Mechanism of action
Class IC antidysrhythmic; slows conduction in cardiac tissue by altering transport of ion across membranes; causes slight prolongation of refractory periods, decreases rate of rise of action potential without affecting its duration; local anesthetic and moderate negative inotropic effects
Common side effects
- Arrhythmias
- Asthenia
- Dizziness
- Edema
- Visual disturbances
Boxed warnings
- Mortality NHLBI’s Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST): Excessive mortality or nonfatal cardiac arrest (7.7%) shown with encainide or flecainide, compared with placebo (3%) This was a long-term, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study in patients with asymptomatic, non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias who previously had MI >6 days but <2 yr Average duration of treatment with encainide or flecainide was 10 months Applicability of results to other populations is uncertain Reserve class IC antiarrhythmics use for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias only…
Contraindications
- 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, right bundle branch block when associated with left hemiblock (bifascicular block), unless pacemaker is present to sustain cardiac rhythm; discontinue therapy immediately
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is flecainide?
flecainide belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does flecainide work?
Class IC antidysrhythmic; slows conduction in cardiac tissue by altering transport of ion across membranes; causes slight prolongation of refractory periods, decreases rate of rise of action potential without affecting its duration; local anesthetic and moderate negative inotropic effects
What are the common side effects of flecainide?
Arrhythmias, Asthenia, Dizziness, Edema, Visual disturbances
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