INTRODUCTION

FLECARITE 50MG contains Flecainide which belongs to the group of medicines called antiarrhythmics. It is indicated for the treatment of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), tachycardia (fast heartbeat) and atrial fibrillation (irregular or rapid contractions of atrial muscles). Flecainide blocks the generation of abnormal electrical signals in the heart and corrects the irregular heartbeat to the normal rhythm.

FLECARITE 50MG can be used to control the rate and rhythm of the heart. Your doctor should treat these conditions quickly and effectively as soon as possible, in order to prevent the development of other serious heart problems. Treatment with this medicine usually starts in the hospital as the doctor will perform an ECG and monitor the concentration of flecainide in your blood. While taking this medicine, avoid consumption of dairy products, as it may affect the actions of flecainide. 

The most common side effects of taking this medicine are dizziness, drowsiness, fever, difficulty in breathing and blurred vision. Contact your doctor immediately if any of the above symptom bothers you. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems, because constant monitoring is required in such patients. It should be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women, only if it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking. This medicine is strictly not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

USES OF FLECARITE 50MG

• Treats arrhythmias, tachycardia and atrial fibrillation

HOW FLECARITE 50MG WORKS

Flecainide blocks the generation of abnormal electrical signals in the heart and corrects the irregular heartbeat to normal rhythm. It acts by inhibiting the sodium (Na+) channels which reduces the accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ and ameliorates oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and atrial remodeling.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take this medicine as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine as whole with a sip of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, weight and health condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF FLECARITE 50MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better, speak to a doctor.

Headache:  

Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid traveling, driving or operating any tools or machines while you are feeling dizzy. If the symptom still persists, contact your doctor for advice.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

• other medicines used to treat a heart condition (such as cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin) beta-blockers (e.g. atenolol), amiodarone, quinidine, lidocaine, calcium channel blockers (e.g. verapamil))
• medicines used to treat depression (e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, amitriptyline, reboxetine)
• medicines used to treat epilepsy (fits) e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine
• medicines used to treat mental illness (e.g. clozapine)
• medicines used to treat allergies such as antihistamines (e.g. mizolastine, terfenadine)
• medicines used to treat viral infections (e.g. ritonavir, lopinavir, indinavir)
• medicines used to treat fungal infections (e.g. terbinafine)
• medicines used for blood thinning (e.g. warfarin)
• diuretics (used to increase urine output) e.g. furosemide
• corticosteroids (used to treat pain) e.g. dexamethasone
• laxatives (used to treat constipation) e.g. lactulose
• quinine (used to treat malaria)
• cimetidine (used to treat ulcers or heartburn)
• bupropion (used for depression or smoking cessation)

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT FLECARITE 50MG

Can FLECARITE 50MG cause insomnia?

Yes. It may cause difficulty in sleeping in some individuals. If you feel like having trouble in sleeping, consult your doctor for advice.

Can FLECARITE 50MG cause weight gain?

No. It is not a direct cause for weight gain. It may cause fluid retention (edema) in some parts of your body which may make you look and feel fat.

Can FLECARITE 50MG make arrhythmia worse?

Yes. It may cause worsening of arrhythmia in some individuals. If you experience any symptom of worsening, please contact your doctor immediately.

Is FLECARITE 50MG habit-forming?

No. It is not habit-forming in nature.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Antiarrhythmic Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 532.

2. Kevin J. Sampson and Robert S. Kass. Anti-Arhythmic drugs. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 840-841.

3. Gerald G. Briggs and Roger K. Freeman. F. A reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. Tenth Edition. 2015. Page – 1568-1571.

4. Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Flecainide for Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia. NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised on June 2017] [Accessed 7th December 2020] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01117454

5. George K Andrikopoulos, Sokratis Pastromas, and Stylianos Tzeis. Flecainide: Current status and perspectives in arrhythmia management. NCBI; PMC US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. February 2015. [Accessed 7th December 2020] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325304/#:~:text=The%20clinical%20efficacy%20of%20flecainide%20in%20the%20maintenance%20of%20sinus,long%20term%20treatment%5B53%5D.

6. McDermott Laboratories Ltd. t/a Gerard Laboratories. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised on September 2020] [Accessed 7th December 2020] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/a065014c-1fe2-455f-af26-29656d715f4a.pdf

7. Accord. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on November 2019] [Accessed 7th December 2020] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4548.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• ECG (Electrocardiogram)