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Tambocor

Generic name: Flecainide acetate
Brand names: Tambocor

Why is Tambocor prescribed?

Tambocor is prescribed to treat certain heart rhythm disturbances, including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (a sudden attack or worsening of irregular heartbeat in which the upper chamber of the heart beats irregularly and very rapidly) and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (a sudden attack or worsening of an abnormally fast but regular heart rate that occurs in intermittent episodes).

Most important fact about Tambocor

Tambocor may sometimes cause or worsen heartbeat irregularities and certain heart conditions, such as heart failure (the inability of the heart to sustain its workload of pumping blood). Before prescribing Tambocor, your doctor will weigh the drug"s risks and benefits. Your condition will be monitored throughout your treatment.

How should you take Tambocor?

In almost every case, your doctor will initiate Tambocor therapy in the hospital.

Take Tambocor exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Serious heartbeat disturbances may result if you do not follow your doctor"s instructions, if you miss any regular doses, or if you increase or decrease the dosage without consulting your doctor.

Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your therapy.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember if it is within 6 hours of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.

What side effects may occur?

Tambocor has a wide variety of possible effects on the heart, including new or worsened heartbeat abnormalities, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and heart block--an interference with the heart"s contraction. If any develop, inform your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Tambocor.

Why should Tambocor not be prescribed?

Your doctor should not prescribe Tambocor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or you are sensitive to it, if you have heart block (without a pacemaker), or if your heart cannot supply enough blood to the body.

Special warnings about Tambocor

If you have a pacemaker, you should be monitored very closely while taking Tambocor--your pacemaker may need to be adjusted.

If you have liver disease, Tambocor could build up in your system. Your doctor will prescribe the drug only if the benefits outweigh the risks. In addition, you should have frequent blood tests to make sure your dosage is not too high.

If you have a history of congestive heart failure or a weak heart, you may be at increased risk for dangerous cardiac side effects from Tambocor.

If you have very alkaline urine, perhaps caused by a kidney condition or by a strict vegetarian diet, your body will tend to process and eliminate Tambocor rather slowly and you may need a lower-than-average dosage.

If the potassium levels in your blood are too high or too low, your doctor will want to correct the condition before allowing you to take Tambocor.

If you have kidney failure, your doctor will want to watch you closely.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tambocor

If Tambocor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tambocor with the following:

Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Beta blockers (blood pressure drugs such as Inderal, Tenormin, and Sectral)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Nifedipine (Procardia)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Tambocor during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Tambocor should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn child. Tambocor appears in breast milk. Check with your doctor before breastfeeding your baby.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Treatment with Tambocor almost always begins in the hospital.

The usual starting dose is 50 to 100 milligrams every 12 hours, depending on the condition under treatment. Every 4 days, your doctor may increase your dose by 50 milligrams every 12 hours until your condition is under control.

CHILDREN

Children"s dosage is based on body surface area and is always supervised by a cardiac physician.

Overdosage

An overdose of Tambocor is likely to cause slowed or rapid heartbeat, other cardiac problems, fainting, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and heart failure. Taken even in moderate excess, Tambocor may have serious consequences and can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.