TIKOSYN is indicated for the conversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to normal sinus rhythm.
TIKOSYN (dofetilide) can cause serious ventricular arrhythmias, primarily Torsade de Pointes (TdP) type ventricular tachycardia, a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with QT interval prolongation. QT interval prolongation is directly related to dofetilide plasma concentration.
The probability of survival at one year was 73% (95% CI: 70% – 76%) in the TIKOSYN group and 72% (95% CI: 69% – 75%) in the placebo group. Similar results were seen for cardiac deaths and arrhythmic deaths. Torsade de Pointes occurred in 25/762 patients (3.3%) receiving TIKOSYN.
Dofetilide (brand name Tikosyn®) can be expensive. Call your insurance company to find out how much you will need to pay for the medication.
Amiodarone had largest reduction of AF recurrence (OR 0.22; 95% CI, 0.16-0.29; p < 0.0001). Amiodarone had the highest incidence of adverse events (OR 2.41; 95% CI, 0.96-6.06) and treatment withdrawals (OR 2.91; 95% CI, 1.66-5.11). Dofetilide was more effective than placebo in restoration (12% vs.
Of all antiarrhythmic agents, dofetilide and amiodarone have been proven safe in patients with heart failure.
Dofetilide may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
Dofetilide is known as an anti-arrhythmic drug. It works by blocking the activity of certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. Treating an irregular heartbeat can decrease the risk for blood clots, and this effect can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Tikosyn (dofetilide) is used long-term to keep your heart beating normally - maintain normal sinus rhythm - and delay the recurrence of abnormal heartbeats including atrial fibrillation or flutter.
There is little evidence that dofetilide can cause liver injury, but it has a narrow therapeutic-toxic ratio in relation to cardiac arrhythmias, prolongation of the QTc interval and risk for torsades de pointes.
Although Tikosyn doesn't cause weight gain, peripheral edema can cause you to gain weight. Peripheral edema can also be caused by other conditions, such as congestive heart failure.
You need a hospital stay to start dofetilide. Members of your health care team will give you an electrocardiogram (EKG) after each dose for the first 6 doses. This test helps them see how well your heart's electrical system is working. Your hospital stay may last up to 4 days.
The concomitant use of verapamil or the cation transport system inhibitors cimetidine, trimethoprim (alone or in combination with sulfamethoxazole), or ketoconazole with TIKOSYN is contraindicated (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Drug-Drug Interactions), as each of these drugs cause a substantial increase in dofetilide ...
In the overall clinical program, TIKOSYN did not affect blood pressure. Heart rate was decreased by 4–6 bpm in studies in patients.
Treating Atrial Fibrillation. Six antiarrhythmic drugs are often used to treat atrial fibrillation: propafenone (Rhythmol), flecainide (Tambocor), sotalol (Betapace), dofetilide (Tikosyn), amiodarone (Cordarone), and dronedarone (Multaq).
Is dofetilide (Tikosyn) a beta-blocker? Dofetilide (Tikosyn) doesn't belong to the class of medications called beta-blockers (medications that end in -olol such as metoprolol or cardvedilol). At normal doses, it doesn't have beta-blocking effects.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with dofetilide and lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
The cost for Tikosyn oral capsule 125 mcg is around $472 for a supply of 40 capsules, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.
Dofetilide is used to correct irregular heartbeat of patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter to a normal heart rhythm. Dofetilide belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics. It works by slowing nerve impulses in the heart. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Dofetilide (Tikosyn): a new drug to control atrial fibrillation.
In addition, the symptoms of amiodarone toxicity are not always recognized (even by the medical community) before it is too late. Amiodarone is a drug of last resort and that's according to the FDA.
Amiodarone is the most commonly prescribed antiarrhythmic drug for atrial fibrillation, and when compared with other antiarrhythmics, including sotalol, dronedarone, propafenone, and flecainide, it was the most effective in maintaining sinus rhythm.