Medications

[Victor Morton]

I was hospitalized last December with atrial fibrillation. They also found a bad valve at the time.  I am still in and out of it almost daily.  My cardiologist wants to put me on fleconide. From what I have found out, this seems to be a scary medication.  Can you tell me about this medication and what I can expect. I am 49.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Tambacor (generic name flecanide) is a class IC antiarrhythmic drug.  It is used to treat various heart rhythm disorders and is used in certain groups of patients.  It should not be used in anyone with underlying coronary artery disease or anyone with an intolerance to the drug.  As with any drug it has potential side effects.  Some of the potential side effects are dizziness, visual disturbances, shortness of breath (<10% of patients who take the drug), headache, nausea, fatigue, palpitations, tremor, constipation, edema, fever, abdominal pain, tachycardia and rash (<1% of patients who take the drug).  More serious complications include heart block, blood dyscrasias, hepatic dysfunction and serious arrhythmias that may cause death.

Drug interactions which may increase or lower the levels of the drug include digitalis, propranolol, cimettidine, amiodarone, and smoking.

[Jackie Mossburg]

I was diagnosed with lone (paroxsymal) Afib three years ago.  My cardiologist prescribed (one after another after each was unsuccessful) toprol, lanoxin, and cardizen C.D.  I continued to have bouts of arrhythmia about every six weeks--some lasting up to six days.  All three drugs made be tired and slowed my pulse to the point my cardiologist considered a pacemaker.  Twice I was scheduled for cardioversion but converted to normal sinus on my own prior to the procedure.
On July 6, I began taking 75 mg. of tambocor twice a day.  Since then, I have had only one bout of Afib.  It lasted less than an hour.  The quality of my life has improved dramatically.  The only side effect I have noticed is perhaps an increased sensitivity to sunlight.
I'd rather not take any drugs, but in my case I believe the risks associated with tambocor (flecanide)are worth it.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

It's a good and powerful medication as long as you are not getting serious side-effects.