Tambocor XL

The active ingredient in Tambocor is flecainide acetate, which is an antiarrhythmic. It functions by blocking sodium channels, which are crucial for the electrical activity of your heart. This slows down the electrical impulses in your heart to help it return to normal when it is beating too rapidly in an irregular rhythm, or arrhythmia.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Tambocor. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tambocor:

• To promptly address any severe side effects, your initial doses might be administered in a clinic or hospital.
• An electrocardiograph, often known as an ECG (also termed an EKG), will be used to check your heart's electrical activity and avoid serious problems.
• Frequent blood tests to assess kidney or liver function may also be necessary.

The most common side effects of flecainide include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Constipation.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
• Tiredness.
• Abdominal pain.
• Palpatations.
• Headaches.
• Chest pain.
• Visual disturbances like blurred vision.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tambocor. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• An irregular heartbeat, either new or worse, that is either too fast or too slow. Palpitations or an irregular pulse, sudden chest pain or discomfort, weakness or dizziness, or unexpected fainting are common symptoms. In rare cases, this may cause your heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest).
• Worsening symptoms of heart failure.
• Allergic reaction to the medication.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tambocor. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tambocor, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if any of the following apply to you:

• Unless you have a pacemaker, you have a dangerous heart problem like bundle branch block or AV block.
• Your heart is unable to adequately pump blood.
• A recent heart attack.
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Sick sinus syndrome.
• An imbalance in electrolytes (e.g., low blood levels of magnesium or potassium).
• Liver disease.
• If you have a severe heart issue such as bundle branch block or AV block (without a pacemaker) or if your heart is unable to pump blood effectively, you should not use Tambocor.

Unless a pacemaker is provided to maintain the cardiac rhythm in the event of full heart block, this procedure is contraindicated in patients who already have second- or third-degree AV block or right bundle branch block in conjunction with a left hemiblock (bifascicular block).

Tambocor's single-dose oral loading regimen seems to be safe for patients without structural heart disease and effective for cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation. It takes effect quite quickly—between two and four hours—and has no major side effects.

When Tambocor is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Digoxin.
• A "water pill" or diuretic.
• A beta-blocker, such as sotalol, propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol.
• Additional heart drugs like verapamil, amiodarone, diltiazem, disopyramide, nifedipine, or quinidine.
• Medicine for seizures (phenytoin).
• Ritonavir.
• Cimetidine.

Depending on the intended application, the highest suggested daily dose is 300–400 mg, whereas the usual adult starting dose is 50–100 mg taken orally twice a day.

Children's dosage is specific to their weight and height. The right dosage will be determined by your child's cardiac specialist.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Store your Tambocor medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Alvogen manufactured Tambocor, although it has since been discontinued.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Tambocor available.

Unless instructed to do so by your physician, do not discontinue taking this medication. Abruptly stopping Tambocor could worsen your condition.

It is not known if Tambocor is safe to take while pregnant. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you as it is not known whether or not the drug passes through breast milk.