Flecainide: a new antiarrhythmic drug.

Flecainide acetate is a new class 1 c antiarrhythmic drug. It slows conduction in the working myocardium and the specialized conduction system and may depress sinus node activity in patients with pre-existing sinus node disease. Its hemodynamic effects are minimal. The drug is completely absorbed and shows a half-life of 7-22 hours. Elimination is mainly through the kidneys. Flecainide is highly effective in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, pre-excitation syndromes and AV reentry tachycardias. Side effects are mild and consist mostly of dizziness, visual disturbances, and nervousness. They rarely require discontinuation of therapy. Proarrhythmic effects have been reported. Caution is required in patients with congestive heart failure, AV block, and/or bundle-branch block or sinus node dysfunction.