Drugs

How Dofetilide Works?

Type of Drug:

Antiarrhythmic drug.

How the Dofetilide Works:

Dofetilide delays cardiac cell electrical activity, normalizing cardiac activity and maintaining normal sinus rhythm.

Uses of The Dofetilide:

For the conversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to normal sinus rhythm.

For maintaining normal sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

Unlabeled Uses: Dofetilide has been used for ventricular arrhythmias.

Precautions:

Gender: Dofetilide was associated with a greater risk of torsade de pointes in female patients than in male patients.

Pregnancy: There are no adaquate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if dofetilide appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: The safety and efficacy of use in children younger 18 years of age have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required during treatment. Tests may include ECG monitoring.QTc levels, kidney function,and liver function.

Drug Interactions:

Tell you doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you a planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with dofetilide. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with dofetilide:

• Aamiloride (Midamor)

• Antiarrhythmic agents (Class I or Class III) (eg, moricizine)

• Bepridil (Vascor)

• Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)

• CYP3A4 isoenzyme inhibitors (eg, ketoconazol e )

• Digoxin (Lanoxin)

• Megestrol (Megace)

• Metformin (Glucophage)

• Phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine)

• Potassium-depleting diuretics prochlorperazine (eg, Compazine)

• Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)

• Tiamterene (Dyrenium)

• Trimethoprim (eg, Pro lop rim)

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazol e (eg, Bactrim)

• Verapamil (eg, Calan)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many dofetilide users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Circulatory System: Rapid heart beat; slow heart beat; various cardiac rhythm disturbances; pounding in the chest; heart block; heart arrest; stroke.

Nervous System: Headache; chest pain; dizziness; stomach pain; back pain; joint pain; muscle limpness;weakness; anxiety; fainting; muscle dysfunction.

Skin: Rash; hives; sweating; abnormal skin sensations (eg, burning, prickling, tingling).

Other: Respiratory tract infection; difficulty breathing; nausea; vomiting; thirst; appetite loss; flu syndrome; sleeplessness; accidental injury; diarrhea; urinary tract infection; fluid retention; cough; migraine; dizziness; fainting; liver damage.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.

• Do not change the dose or stop taking unless advised by your doctor.

• Dofetilide is only available to hospitals and prescribers who have received appropriate dosing and treatment initiation education.

• Compliance with the dosing schedule and periodic heart and kidney function tests is important for minimizing the risk of developing serious abnormal heart rhythm.

• Notify your health care provider of any change in over-the-counter or prescription medication, or dietary supplement use.

• Inform your health care provider if you are hospitalized or prescribed a new medication for any condition.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before beginning therapy.

• Notify your doctor immediately of symptoms associated with altered electrolyte balance, such as excessive or prolonged diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, appetite loss, thirst, or diuretic use.

• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F) in a tight container. Protect from moisture and humidity.