Dofetilide is used in treatment of some specific heartbeat abnormalities, such as atrial fibrillation.
What is Dofetilide?
Dofetilide is an antiarrhythmic. It works by helping the heart to return to a regular rhythm.
How should Dofetilide be taken?
Dofetilide is administered orally, usually in the form of capsules.
Side effects associated with Dofetilide
Dofetilide can cause decreased appetite, increased thirst and electrolyte imbalances.
Among his other possible adverse effects are included:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Symptoms of respiratory infections (such as cough, mild fever, sneezing and sore throat)
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Dofetilide triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Anxiety
- Burning, numbness, or tingling
- Pain in the chest, jaw or arm
- Confusion
- Difficult or painful urination
- Fainting
- Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeat
- Inability to move
- Weakness in one side of body
- Strong or persistent headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty speaking
- Severe and sudden nausea or vomiting
- Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
- Symptoms of liver problems (e.g. dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, or jaundice)
- Unusual sweating
- Vision problems
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Dofetilide
Dofetilide should not be taken in case of severe kidney problems or dialysis; its use may also be contraindicated in the presence of some particular abnormal heartbeat. Finally, it should not be administered in case of treatment with asenapine, cimetidine, cisapride, dolutegravir, ketoconazole, macrolides, megestrol, nilotinib, some phenothiazines, tetrabenazine, certain diuretics, trimethoprim, or verapamil.
Additionally, Dofetilide can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially when taken together with alcohol or other drugs.
Before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its ingredients, or to other drugs or foods
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, citing in particular multivitamin, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort, medicines for allergies, asthma, cancer, depression or other psychiatric disorders, diabetes, heartburn, hepatitis C, high blood pressure, HIV, infections, irregular heartbeat or other heart problems, loss of appetite, multiple sclerosis, nausea or vomiting, pain, swelling, Tourette's syndrome or drugs that suppress the immune system
- You have already taken another antiarrhythmic
- You suffer (or have suffered) from heart problems, kidney or liver disease or low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Lastly, it is recommended to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Dofetilide prior to any procedure.
