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Flecainide
People may receive flecainide to help prevent certain types of heart rhythm problems. This prescription medication comes in tablet form and is taken two to three times daily. Possible side effects include headaches, vision problems, and shortness of breath. This medicine works by slowing down the electrical impulses in the heart, which help stabilize the heart rhythm.
Flecainide acetate (Tambocor™) is a prescription medication approved to prevent certain types of irregular heartbeats (also called arrhythmias). It belongs to a group of medications known as antiarrhythmics.
(Click What Is Flecainide Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, flecainide can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well.
If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects seen with flecainide include but are not limited to:
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Shortness of breath
- Headache.
(Click Flecainide Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD