FLECAINIDE ACETATE

Flecainide Acetate 50mg, Oral tablet

Tobacco

· Severity: Moderate

· Notes for Consumers: In theory, Tobacco smoking may reduce the effectiveness of Flecainide, because tobacco smoke contains substances that speed the removal of Flecainide from the body. Also, Tobacco smoking may increase the blood pressure or contribute to the risk of heart disease and related problems. Alternatively, if you take Flecainide and suddenly stop Tobacco smoking, you may experience increased or worsening side effects of Flecainide, such as nausea, headache, tremor or heart-related side effects. Make sure your prescriber is aware that you smoke Tobacco or if you plan to stop smoking. Contact your prescriber immediately if you experience chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fainting or falling spells, shortness of breath, or change in your usual heart beat (fast, slow, or irregular heart beat) while taking Flecainide.

· Notes for Professionals: Tobacco smoking may result in increased hepatic metabolism of flecainide. Tobacco smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that induce hepatic CYP450 microsomal enzymes. According to one meta-analysis, flecainide clearance was, in general, increased in smokers versus non-smokers, as evidenced by an increased dosage requirement and lower serum flecainide concentrations. Flecainide clearance values displayed a wide range of variability across the studies analyzed. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of an interaction between tobacco smoking and flecainide, but no specific dosage adjustment parameters are recommended; adjust therapy according to the clinical response of the patient. Conversely, because the effect on hepatic microsomal enzymes is not related to the nicotine component of tobacco, sudden smoking cessation may result in a reduced clearance of flecainide, despite the initiation of nicotine replacement. Should a patient on flecainide suddenly stop smoking, clinicians should be aware that flecainide serum concentrations may rise and lead to a potential for side effects.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>