Dofetilide



Tikosyn™







Dofetilide

(doe FET il ide)

U.S. Brand Names
Tikosyn™
Canadian Brand Names
Tikosyn™
Pharmacologic Category
Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class III
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine must be started in a setting with continuous heart monitoring. Patients should be readmitted for continuous monitoring if dosage is increased.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to dofetilide or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Kidney disease, low magnesium levels, low potassium levels, or slow heartbeat,
  • If you are taking any of these medicines: Cimetidine, ketoconazole, megestrol, prochlorperazine, trimethoprim, or verapamil.
  • If you are taking a medicine that changes the electrical activity of the heart, such as amiodarone, amitriptyline, amoxapine, bepridil, chlorpromazine, cisapride, clarithromycin, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, erythromycin, fluphenazine, gatifloxacin, imipramine, mesoridazine, moxifloxacin, nortriptyline, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promazine, protriptyline, sparfloxacin, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, or trimipramine.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a fast heartbeat.
How does it work?
  • Dofetilide tries to normalize the fast heartbeats by slowing the current through the heart.
How is it best taken?
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Never try to make up a missed dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not run out of this medicine.
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Headache.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: