Flecainide

In Aotearoa New Zealand, flecainide is available as immediate–release tablets (50 mg) and controlled–release (CR) capsules (100 mg and 200 mg).

• Always take flecainide exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
• The dose of flecainide will be different for different people.
• Your healthcare provider will usually start you on a low dose and increase it slowly over a few days.

You can take flecainide with or without food.

Immediate-release tablets

• Take your tablets 2 times a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
• Try to take your doses around the same times each day.
• Don't crush or chew the tablets.
• Missed dose: If you remember within 4 hours of your missed dose, take it. If more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose as usual. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed one.

Controlled-release (CR) capsules

• Take your capsule once a day, either in the morning or evening.
• Try to take your dose around the same time each day.
• Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Don't open the capsules, or crush or chew them.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.

Keep taking flecainide regularly: Don’t stop taking flecainide suddenly – this can make your condition worse.

Here are some things to know when you're taking flecainide. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

If you're driving, cycling or operating machinery

Flecainide can make you feel drowsy, dizzy or light-headed especially when you first start taking it. Don't drive, cycle or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. See driving and medicines.

Taking other medicines

Flecainide can interact with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting flecainide and before starting any new medicines or products.

Smoking can change the effect of flecainide

If you start or stop smoking, or change the number of cigarettes you smoke, tell your healthcare provider immediately. If you’d like to stop smoking, your healthcare provider can plan a smoking cessation programme with you. 

Are you pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding?

It's important to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you're trying to get pregnant, are pregnant (hapū) or breastfeeding.

Like all medicines flecainide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Dizziness, tiredness, changes in vision: Don't drive, cycle or use tools or machines until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Nausea (feeling sick).
• Headache.
• Swollen hands or feet.
• Mood changes.
  
  

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Changes in your heartbeat (either fast, slow or irregular).
• Chest pain or tightness.
• You feel short of breath.
• Fainting.
  
  

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.