Tambacor

  I have been on tambacor for two years to treat pvc's.  I do not have heart disease.
  I have heard some bad things about this drug.  Nothing else seemed to work so this was a
  last resort.   It's the only drug that seems to control them.  I do see a cardiologist who
  specializes in arrythmias.   My question is, how safe of a drug is tambacor and how long do you think
  is it wise for someone to stay on this?  
  Thank you so much for your help.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

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Dear Deborah,
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.
It is hard for me to give you specific advise as to the treatment of your PVC