Wednesday 17 November 2010

MRCP revision battle 52.4: Flecainide

Flecainide is a class Ic antiarrhythmic which works by blocking the sodium channels.

Flecainide causes a wider QRS and longer PR.


Indications for flecainide are:
  • AF
  • SVT with accessory pathway

Its half life is 16 hrs.


Flecainide is contraindicated post MI.
It should be used with caution in those with pacemakers as it can raise the potential needed for stimulation.


Adverse effects of flecainide include:
  • negatively inotropic
  • bradycardic
  • proarrhythmic
  • oral parasthesia
  • visual disturbances
  • rarely: pneumonitis

Next - Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy