Tikosyn

The active ingredient in Tikosyn is dofetilide. Tikosyn functions by blocking potassium channels in the heart. This slows down the electrical activity to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders.

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 Tikosyn. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tikosyn:

• You must remain in a medical facility for a minimum of three days when beginning or restarting Tikosyn. This will allow your healthcare experts to closely monitor you and establish the appropriate dosage for you. Make sure to take the precise dosage that was prescribed to you after your stay when you return home.
• Tikosyn can be taken with or without food. The effectiveness of this drug is unaffected by food.
• Steer clear of grapefruit juice as it can increase the body's levels of Tikosyn and cause additional side effects.
• Be sure to disclose all of your prescriptions, including supplements, to your chemist and healthcare practitioner.

The most common side effects of dofetilide seen in clinical trials include:

• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Abnormal heart rhythm or irregular heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Respiratory tract infections.
• Severe diarrhea.

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

• Serious ventricular arrhythmias, primarily a Torsade de Pointes-type ventricular tachycardia: chest pain, lightheadedness, fainting, and a fast heartbeat.
• Life-threatening allergic reactions: hives, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
• Low electrolyte levels when taken with certain diuretics like HCTZ and triamterene.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tikosyn. 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 Tikosyn, 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 you have:

• Heart problems, heart disease, or heart failure.
• An irregular heartbeat called long QT syndrome.
• Liver problems.
• High blood pressure.
• Low magnesium or potassium levels.
• Depression or other mental health issues.
• Asthma.
• Infections.

Boxed Warning

• Serious or even fatal arrhythmias may develop as a result of using Tikosyn. When you initially start taking Tikosyn or resume your therapy, you will usually need to stay in the hospital for at least three days due to this risk.

Please inform your healthcare practitioner if you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, as Tikosyn (dofetilide) will not be safe for you to take.

• Serious kidney problems.
• Long QT syndrome.
• Take certain drugs that cause severe drug interactions.

Tikosyn will begin to work within 2 to 3 hours after taking a dose. However, it may take a few doses before you start to notice a decrease in your AFib or atrial flutter symptoms.

When Tikosyn 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:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
• Tarka, Verelan, Verelan PM, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Covera-HS, Calan, Calan SR, and verapamil.
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral).
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, or Sulfatrim) or trimethoprim alone (Proloprim, Trimpex).
• Amiodarone.
• Itraconazole.
• Hydrochlorothiazide with or without triamterene.
• Prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compo)
• Megestrol (Megace)
• Dolutegravir (Tivicay).
• Digoxin (Lanoxin).

Usually, 125 mcg to 500 mcg are typically taken orally twice a day. Your doctor will calculate the appropriate dosage for you depending on several variables, particularly your heart rate and renal function.

Store Tikosyn at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Tikosyn is Pfizer.

There are several generic versions available of Tikosyn.

Tikosyn should never be stopped without first consulting your physician. Tikosyn is used to treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, among other heart rhythm issues. You may experience a recurrence of your heart rhythm issues after stopping the medication.

There are no well-controlled studies of the use of Tikosyn in pregnant women. It should only be used if the 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.

It is not known if Tikosyn is found in breast milk. The manufacturer recommends not breastfeeding while taking this medication. 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.