Flecainide
Flecainide is a Class Ic antiarrhythmic medication. It works by blocking sodium channels in the heart muscle, slowing down electrical conduction, and stabilizing abnormal heart rhythms.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be highly individualized and initiated under the supervision of a cardiologist, often in a hospital setting. The standard adult starting dose is 50 mg to 100 mg twice daily. Pediatric doses are carefully calculated by a specialist based on body surface area (BSA) or body weight.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg per day
- Frequency
- Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be initiated under strict cardiac and ECG monitoring in a hospital setting. Highly specialized pediatric cardiology guidance required.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 10 mg to 20 mg per day total
- Frequency
- Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily
- Tracking Notes
- Titrated slowly based on therapeutic drug monitoring (target serum trough level 0.2 to 1.0 mcg/mL).
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 15 mg to 30 mg per day total
- Frequency
- Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure consistent dietary milk/formula intake, as sudden changes in milk intake can affect drug absorption in infants.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 20 mg to 45 mg per day total
- Frequency
- Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dose adjustments should be made at intervals of at least 3 to 5 days under medical supervision.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 30 mg to 60 mg per day total
- Frequency
- Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily
- Tracking Notes
- Regular ECGs and blood tests are necessary to monitor safety and effectiveness.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg per day | Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily | Must be initiated under strict cardiac and ECG monitoring in a hospital setting. Highly specialized pediatric cardiology guidance required. |
| 5-7 kg | 10 mg to 20 mg per day total | Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily | Titrated slowly based on therapeutic drug monitoring (target serum trough level 0.2 to 1.0 mcg/mL). |
| 8-10 kg | 15 mg to 30 mg per day total | Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily | Ensure consistent dietary milk/formula intake, as sudden changes in milk intake can affect drug absorption in infants. |
| 11-15 kg | 20 mg to 45 mg per day total | Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily | Dose adjustments should be made at intervals of at least 3 to 5 days under medical supervision. |
| 16-20 kg | 30 mg to 60 mg per day total | Divided into 2 to 3 doses daily | Regular ECGs and blood tests are necessary to monitor safety and effectiveness. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to prevent and treat serious irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter (PAF), and sustained ventricular tachycardia.
Generic Name
Flecainide acetateBranded Drug Names
Flecainide is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.