Flecarite 50 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET (10 TAB)

Name:

• Brand Name: Flecarite 50 mg Tablet
• Common Name: Flecainide

Composition: Each tablet contains Flecainide 50 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses: Flecarite 50 mg Tablet is an anti-arrhythmic medication primarily used to manage and prevent various types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). It is prescribed for conditions such as:

• Ventricular tachycardia (sustained)
• Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
• Atrial fibrillation (to prevent recurrence)
• Atrial flutter
• Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome It works by blocking abnormal electrical signals in the heart, thereby restoring a normal and steady heart rhythm.

Dosage and Administration:

• Flecarite 50 mg Tablet is taken orally, typically twice daily, or as prescribed by a doctor.
• It can be taken with or without food. However, some sources suggest taking it on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• The initial recommended starting dose for PSVT and PAF is 50 mg every 12 hours. Doses may be increased in increments of 50 mg twice daily every four days until efficacy is achieved. For sustained VT, the recommended starting dose is 100 mg every 12 hours. Dosage may vary based on individual factors, and treatment is often initiated in a hospital setting with close monitoring.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, vertigo
• Blurred vision, double vision, difficulty focusing, visual disturbances
• Breathlessness, fatigue, weakness
• Headache
• Oedema (swelling)
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), palpitations

Serious side effects, though less common, can include heart failure, severe bradycardia (slow heart rate), or an increase in proarrhythmic events.

Precautions:

• Contraindications: Do not take if you have certain heart conditions such as Brugada syndrome, reduced ventricular function, cardiogenic shock, severe bradycardia (less than 50 bpm), severe hypotension, sinus node dysfunction, second-degree or greater atrioventricular block, or bundle branch block (unless with a pacemaker).
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, and usage during breastfeeding requires caution and monitoring of the infant.
• Kidney and Liver Impairment: Use with extreme caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment, as dose adjustments and regular monitoring of organ function may be necessary.
• Other Warnings:
  • Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, angina, a pacemaker, or electrolyte abnormalities.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may increase side effects.
  • Dairy products (milk, infant formula, possibly yogurt) may interfere with its absorption.
  • This medicine may cause dizziness or visual disturbances; avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these symptoms.
  • Do not stop taking Flecarite abruptly without consulting your doctor.
  • Not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

Storage: Store Flecarite 50 mg Tablet at room temperature, ideally between 15-30°C. Keep it away from direct light and moisture, and out of the sight and reach of children. Always use the medicine before its expiry date.

What is FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET used for?

FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET is an anti-arrhythmic medication primarily used to treat various types of irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias. It is prescribed for conditions such as ventricular tachycardia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. By restoring and maintaining a normal heart rhythm, it helps the heart pump blood more effectively.

How does FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET work?

FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET contains flecainide, which is a Class IC anti-arrhythmic agent. It works by blocking abnormal electrical signals, specifically sodium channels, within the heart cells. This action reduces the excitability of the heart muscle and prolongs the refractory period, which is the time during which a new heartbeat cannot begin. By slowing down these abnormal electrical impulses, Flecarite helps to stabilize the heart's rhythm and prevent irregular heartbeats.

What is the usual dosage of FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET?

The dosage of FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET is determined by your doctor based on your specific condition. For paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter (PAF), the recommended starting dose is typically 50 mg every 12 hours. This dose may be increased in increments of 50 mg twice daily every four days until efficacy is achieved, with a maximum recommended dose of 300 mg per day. For sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), the usual starting dose is 100 mg every 12 hours, with a maximum of 400 mg per day. It is generally taken with or without food, usually twice daily, and should be swallowed whole with water.

What are the possible side effects of FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET?

Common side effects may include dizziness, blurred vision, headache, weakness, fatigue, and swelling (oedema). Other reported side effects can include double vision, breathlessness, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), tremors, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, vertigo (spinning sensation), and lightheadedness. More serious, though less common, side effects can include a decrease or increase in heart rate, chest pain, or symptoms of heart failure. If any side effects persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Is FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy unless considered clearly necessary by your doctor, who will discuss the potential risks and benefits. It is also generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, as its effects during breastfeeding are unknown, and it may pass into breast milk. If the medicine is used while breastfeeding, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired effects is necessary. Always consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET can interact with various other medications. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking. Interactions can occur with medicines used for heart failure, high blood pressure, and other arrhythmias (e.g., digoxin, propranolol, amiodarone), as well as certain antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine), epilepsy medications (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), and medications for mental illness (e.g., clozapine). Additionally, consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be avoided as it may interact with Flecarite.

What precautions should be taken while taking FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET?

Several precautions should be observed when taking FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET. Do not stop taking this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as sudden discontinuation can worsen your condition. Exercise caution if you have liver or kidney impairment, or certain heart conditions such as Brugada syndrome, severe bradycardia (slow heart rate), or reduced ventricular function. If you experience dizziness, blurred vision, or fainting, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. It is also advisable to limit alcohol and caffeine intake, as they may trigger irregular heartbeats. Your doctor may perform regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, kidney function, and flecainide levels in your blood.

What happens if a dose of FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember, provided it is within approximately six hours of the scheduled time. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (six or more hours after the missed dose), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET be stored?

FLECARITE 50 MG TABLET should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 20-25°C. Keep the medicine away from direct light, moisture, and heat. Ensure it is securely stored out of sight and reach of children. Do not keep it in the bathroom. Always use the medicine before its expiry date.