What is flecainide (Tambocor)?
Tambocor is the brand name for the medication flecainide. Flecainide is used to maintain a normal heart rate in patients with an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia).
How do I take flecainide?
You will likely start taking flecainide in the hospital so your doctor can see how it affects you.
Flecainide tablets are usually taken every 12 hours. Make sure you carefully read your prescription label and take the medication exactly as it says. It is best to take your medication at the same times every day. Flecainide works best when there is a steady level in your body. Never skip a dose or take more than is prescribed. DO NOT stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You do not need to take flecainide with food, but doing so can help if the medication upsets your stomach.
Make sure you keep all lab and follow-up appointments with your doctor while you are taking the medication. These are needed to see how well the medication is working.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose if you remember it within six hours. If you do not remember it until six or more hours after the scheduled time, skip the missed dose and take your next regular dose. Do not take a double dose.
What side effects can flecainide cause?
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Chest pain.
- Irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat.
- Fainting or feeling faint more often.
- Rash.
- Trouble breathing, walking, talking or urinating.
Call your doctor if you have these symptoms that are severe or don’t go away:
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Blurred vision or seeing "spots".
- Feeling dizzy or faint. Get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Be careful when you do things that require you to be alert.
Information to share with your doctor before you take this medication
- Tell your doctor if you had a recent heart attack or if you have kidney or liver disease, heart failure or if you have a pacemaker.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about drinking alcohol while taking flecainide. Alcohol can make the dizziness caused by the medication worse.
- Tell your doctor if you may be/are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
If you need surgery, a dental procedure or emergency treatment, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking flecainide.
Special instructions to follow while taking flecainide
- Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. Flecainide can cause dizziness, headaches, fatigue and tremors.
- Always have enough of this medication on hand. Check your supply before vacations, holidays and other times when you may not be able to get a refill.
How should I store flecainide?
- Keep flecainide in the container it came in.
- Store tablets at room temperature.
- Store the medication away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not keep flecainide in the bathroom.
- Never share your medication with anyone.
Never take outdated medications. Some medication prescription labels list an expiration date. If the label does not have a date, or if you are unsure how old a medication is, call your pharmacy.
