Tecasin Afib
Generic Name:dofetilide (doe FET i lide)
Brand Name:Tikosyn
What is Tikosyn?
- Atrial Fibrillation: For Patients By Patients. Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is the most common irregular heartbeat and is characterized by heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. According to the American Heart Association, it affects about 2.7 million Americans. People with AFib have an irregular.
- Yes, atrial fibrillation can be genetic. For example, this helps to explain why atrial fibrillation is more common with Caucasians. Like everything else, it is a combination of nature (genes) and nurture (lifestyle). The good news for atrial fibrillation is that studies show that lifestyle is far more important than genetics.
- The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) has updated their 2012 guidelines on the use of antithrombotic medications for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). They recommend the use of the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score in AF patients to estimate the risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism.
Tikosyn is a heart rhythm medicine, also called an antiarrhythmic.
Tikosyn is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders of the atrium (the upper chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into the heart). This medicine is used in people with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a medical disorder that affects the upper chambers, known as atria, of the heart. People with AFib experience irregular heartbeats caused by abnormal electrical.
Tikosyn may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
You should not take Tikosyn if you have severe kidney disease or a history of Long QT syndrome.
Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together with Tikosyn. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.
You will need to spend at least 3 days in a hospital setting when you first start taking Tikosyn. This is so your heart rhythm and kidney function can be monitored in case the medicine causes serious side effects.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Tikosyn if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
a history of Long QT syndrome.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Tikosyn, and should not be used at the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:
cimetidine;
dolutegravir;
ketoconazole;
megestrol;
prochlorperazine;
trimethoprim (Proloprim, Trimpex, Bactrim, Septra);
verapamil; or
a diuretic (water pill) that contains hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), such as Accuretic, Aldactazide, Atacand HCT, Benicar HCT, Diovan HCT, Dyazide, Exforge HCT, Hyzaar, Lopressor HCT, Maxzide, Micardis HCT, Monopril HCT, Prinzide, Tekturna HCT, Vaseretic, and others.
To make sure Tikosyn is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease, high blood pressure;
liver or kidney disease;
depression, mental illness;
asthma or allergies;
any active infection;
skin problems; or
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).
It is not known whether Tikosyn will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether dofetilide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using dofetilide.
How should I take Tikosyn?
Tikosyn is available only from a hospital or specialty pharmacy.
You will need to spend at least 3 days in a hospital setting when you first start taking Tikosyn. This is so your heart rhythm and kidney function can be monitored in case the medicine causes serious side effects.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take Tikosyn with or without food.
You should not skip doses or stop using Tikosyn suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, or heavy sweating. These conditions can cause an electrolyte imbalance, making it dangerous for you to use Tikosyn.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked with frequent blood tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time to stay on schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Tikosyn?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Tikosyn and lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
Tikosyn side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
loss of appetite, vomiting or severe diarrhea; or
low magnesium or potassium--confusion, uneven heart rate, increased thirst or urination, sweating, jerking muscle movements, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Ticacin
Common side effects may include:
mild headache;
mild dizziness; or
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Tikosyn?
Other drugs may interact with dofetilide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Copyright 1996-2021 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01.
More about Tikosyn (dofetilide)
Consumer resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is the most common irregular heartbeat and is characterized by heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. This progressive and debilitating disease can lead to stroke, heart failure, and Alzheimer's disease, and can double your risk of death. Afib takes a physical toll, an emotional toll, and a financial toll on those who are living with it—not just the patient, but the family, too.
If you wonder whether you are at risk for atrial fibrillation, or whether you might have it already, or if you want to know how to manage afib now that you have been diagnosed, then you have come to the right place. StopAfib.org is here to help increase your knowledge about afib, to help improve your quality of life if you are living with it, and to help you avoid an afib-related stroke.
How StopAfib.org Can Help You
So let's Get Started Learning About Atrial Fibrillation.
News from StopAfib.org
Here are the most recent atrial fibrillation news stories. Sign up for our Newsletter on this page to be notified of the latest news stories.
See the News and Events page for other news, events, and video interviews with top afib doctors.
Managing Afib During a Pandemic: Answering Your Vaccine Questions
Do you have questions? How to protect yourself. ... more
Our Gift to You: Watch the 2020 Patient Conference Opening Session
Answers to the Most Common Afib Patient Questions: Our Gift To You ... more
Complimentary: Get Back to Care Webinar Series
To give you vital information to avoid missing out on the care you need during the pandemic ... more
The StopAfib.org Atrial Fibrillation Patient Conference Goes Virtual Oct. 30–Nov. 1
Anyone anywhere in the world can hear directly from the foremost experts in afib ... more
Afib News from the European Society of Cardiology 2020 Congress
New Atrial Fibrillation Science Presented at the ESC Congress 2020: The Digital Experience ... more
Webinar Replay is Now Available: How to Know When It’s Safe to Have an Afib Catheter Ablation
Dr. Suneet Mittal shares how to know if it’s safe to have an atrial fibrillation procedure during and after the COVID-19 pandemic ... more
Tykinson
The Heartline Study is a virtual heart health wellness study for people 65+
Can this study reduce the risk of strokes from atrial fibrillation? ... more
Introducing The StopAfib.org Library Collection of No-Cost Videos for Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Access Invaluable Patient Conference, Webinar, and Master Class Videos ... more
Coronavirus Resources for Those with Afib
Tecasin For Afib
Credible information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) ... more
Tickerson Heart Medication
Raising Awareness About Atrial Fibrillation on National TV
Tykocin Drug
Watch the afib awareness segment on the Dr. Phil Show on April 10, 2019 ... more