FLECAINIDE-Antiarrhythmic drug and its pharmacology

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Flecainide acts on sodium channel on the neuronal cell membrane limiting the spread of seizur activity and reducing seizure propagation .The ant arrhythmic actions are mediated through effects on sodium channels in porcine fibres

It stabilizes the neuronal membrane by inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of impulses .

THERAPEUTIC USES

• Used in treatment of many types of supra ventricular tachycardia
• It is used in treatment of right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia

SIDE EFFECTS

• Chest pain 
• Shortness of breath 
• Loss of appetite 
• Persistent cough with blood inched mucus
• Confusion 
• Extreme tiredness

DRUG DRUG INTERACTION

1) Flecainide+ alcohol = further depress normal heart function

2) Flecainide+ cimetidine = increases flecainide level by 30%

3) Flecainide + quinidine=inhibit CYP450 2D6 and may increase flecainide levels

REFERENCE:-Tripathi K D"Essential of medical pharmacology",7th edition ,page no-529,532