Flecarite 50mg Strip Of 10 Tablets

Flecarite tablet is a medication used to treat certain serious heart rhythm disorders in which the heartbeat becomes too fast, irregular, or life-threatening. It is usually prescribed when other treatments have not worked or are unsuitable. This medication helps control abnormal electrical activity in the heart and is used only after careful evaluation to ensure that the heart's structure and pumping function are adequate.

This medicine works by slowing the electrical signals in the heart that cause abnormal rhythms. Blocking specific sodium channels in heart cells helps stabilize the heartbeat and maintain a normal rhythm. Because it directly affects the heart’s electrical system, treatment is often started under specialist or hospital supervision, especially in high-risk patients.

Flecarite tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with or after food to reduce stomach discomfort. It is important to take it at the same time each day and not exceed the prescribed dose. Regular follow-up visits, ECG monitoring, and sometimes blood tests are needed to ensure the medicine is working safely and effectively.

Some people may experience side effects such as dizziness, blurred vision, tiredness, or shortness of breath. In rare cases, the medicine can worsen heart rhythm problems instead of improving them. Because of this risk, it is important to report any new or worsening symptoms, such as fainting, palpitations, or chest discomfort, to your doctor immediately.

Flecarite tablet may not be suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with certain heart conditions, electrolyte imbalances, or those taking specific medications that affect heart rhythm. It should be used cautiously during pregnancy and breastfeeding only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Always inform your doctor about your full medical history and all other medicines you are taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Dosage

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you miss any dose of Flecarite tablet, take it as soon as you remember with food. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Flecainide works by blocking sodium channels in the heart, which slows the electrical signals that cause abnormal heart rhythms. This helps stabilize the heart’s rhythm and prevents fast or irregular heartbeats.

Directions for Use

• Flecarite tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
• It should be taken with or after a meal to reduce its side effects.
• It is best to take it at a fixed time for optimal results, and you should not consume it more than prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Flecarite tablet during pregnancy?

There is limited information on the safety of Flecarite tablet during human pregnancy. Animal studies at high doses showed some effects on the unborn baby, and the medicine is known to cross the placenta. Flecarite tablet should be used during pregnancy only if the expected benefit clearly outweighs the potential risks. If it is used, careful monitoring of the mother’s blood levels is recommended throughout pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Flecarite tablet while breastfeeding?

Flecarite tablet passes into breast milk in amounts similar to the mother’s blood levels, but the amount reaching the baby is much lower than the dose used for treatment. The risk of side effects in the baby is considered very small. However, Flecarite tablet should be used while breastfeeding only if the benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the baby.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Flecarite tablet?

Flecarite tablet may moderately impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Some people may experience dizziness or visual disturbances. If you notice these symptoms, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel well again.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Flecarite tablet?

No known information is available.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have fast or irregular heartbeats such as AV nodal tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or troublesome episodes of atrial fibrillation, as treatment usually needs specialist or hospital supervision.
• You have had a heart attack in the past, as Flecarite tablet may increase the risk of serious outcomes in some patients.
• Your heart rhythm becomes worse, faster, or more severe after starting the medicine, as Flecarite tablet can sometimes trigger new or more serious arrhythmias.
• You have structural heart disease or impaired cardiac pump function; Flecarite tablet should generally be avoided in these conditions.
• You develop atrial fibrillation after heart surgery, as extra caution is required.
• You suddenly feel your heart racing during treatment, as the ventricular rate may increase if the medication is not working properly.
• You have liver problems; Flecarite tablet may accumulate in the body, and blood-level monitoring may be necessary.
• You have kidney problems, as dose adjustment and monitoring may be required.
• You are elderly; the medication may remain in your body longer, and doses may need adjustment.
• You are below 12 years of age, as flecainide is not recommended for children due to limited safety data.
• You have electrolyte problems, such as low or high potassium levels, which should be corrected before starting treatment.
• You have a very slow heartbeat or very low blood pressure, which must be corrected before Flecarite tablet is used.
• You have a pacemaker, as flecainide can affect pacemaker function and may require close monitoring.
• You have a history of heart failure, enlarged heart, or difficulty with defibrillation.
• You notice ECG changes, fainting, or symptoms suggestive of Brugada syndrome, as treatment may need to be stopped.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to flecainide or any of the ingredients in Flecarite tablet.
• If you have heart failure or have had a heart attack and now have certain abnormal heart rhythms without symptoms.
• If you have long-standing atrial fibrillation and no attempt has been made to restore a normal heart rhythm.
• If you have weak heart pumping, shock due to heart problems, a very slow heartbeat, or very low blood pressure.
• If you are taking other Class I anti-arrhythmic medicines (similar heart rhythm medicines).
• If you have serious heart valve disease that affects blood flow.
• If you have problems with the heart’s natural pacemaker or electrical conduction (such as sinus node disease or heart block), unless a pacemaker is available.
• If you have mild or symptom-free abnormal heart rhythms coming from the lower chambers of the heart.
• If you have significant electrolyte imbalance, such as very low or high potassium levels.
• If you have been diagnosed with Brugada syndrome.

Side effects

• Diplopia
• Vision blurred
• Dyspnoea
• Fatigue

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Taking flecainide with other antiarrhythmic medications can increase side effects or cause serious arrhythmias, so close electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring may be needed.
• Flecainide should not be taken with other Class I anti-arrhythmic medicines, as this can seriously affect the heart rhythm.
• Using flecainide with beta-blockers may slow the heart too much or weaken heart pumping.
• Medications such as amiodarone can increase flecainide plasma concentrations, so the flecainide dose may need to be reduced and monitored closely.
• Certain calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil) should be used cautiously with flecainide, as they may affect cardiac function.
• Some medicines can increase flecainide levels in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects, including antidepressants (such as fluoxetine or paroxetine), antipsychotics, some antihistamines, antifungal medicines (such as terbinafine), and antiviral medicines (such as ritonavir).
• Other medicines can lower flecainide levels, including some antiseizure medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine), which may reduce its effectiveness.
• Diuretics, steroids, or laxatives may disturb potassium levels, which can increase the risk of heart rhythm problems while taking flecainide.
• Certain older antihistamines, antimalarial medicines, and some antipsychotics may increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm disturbances and should be avoided.
• Flecainide may slightly increase digoxin levels; therefore, blood levels should be monitored if both medications are used together.
• Flecainide can generally be taken with blood thinners, but regular monitoring may still be needed.
• Activated charcoal (e.g., charcoal tablets) may reduce the extent of flecainide absorption when taken concurrently.

Interactions with food items

• Dairy products, such as milk, infant formula, and possibly yoghurt, may reduce the absorption of Flecarite tablet, particularly in children and infants.
• Sudden changes in milk or dairy intake (for example, stopping milk abruptly) may affect Flecarite tablet levels in the body.
• Avoid excessive caffeine or stimulant-containing foods, as they may worsen heart rhythm symptoms in some people.
• Maintain a balanced diet and stable eating habits to help maintain consistent flecainide levels.

Storage and disposal

• Store Flecarite tablet in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Flecarite tablet used for?

Flecarite tablet is used to treat certain types of serious cardiac arrhythmias, such as fast or irregular heartbeats. It helps restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm when other treatments have failed or are unsuitable.

Can I stop Flecarite tablet once I feel better?

No, do not stop Flecarite tablet suddenly. Stopping it abruptly may exacerbate cardiac arrhythmias. Always consult your doctor before stopping.