Dofetilide is a drug to treat serious and dangerous heart rhythm disturbances or arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
Dofetilide belongs to the group III antiarrhythmic drugs. This drug works by blocking the electrical signals in the nerves that cause irregular heartbeats. That way, the heart rhythm can return to normal, the heart rate becomes more regular.
A more regular heart rhythm will reduce the risk of complications, such as a stroke or heart attack. Dofetilide is available in capsule form and should only be given by a doctor in a hospital or health facility.
Dofetilide trademarks:
What is Dofetilide
class Prescription drug
Category Antiarrhythmic drugs
Benefit Overcome arrhythmias, especially types of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
Consumed by Mature
Dofetilide for pregnant and lactating women Category C: Studies in experimental animals show an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
It is not known whether dofetilide is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not take dofetilide without consulting your doctor.
Drug form Capsule
Precautions Before Taking Dofetilide
Dofetilide capsules will be given in the hospital. There are several things that need to be considered before using this drug, including:
Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Dofetilide should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering from dangerous heart rhythm disorders, such as QT prolongation syndrome, kidney failure , or are on regular dialysis . Dofetilide should not be given to patients with these conditions.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had electrolyte disturbances , diarrhea, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease , high blood pressure, asthma , or a mental disorder, such as depression .
Tell your doctor if you are taking certain supplements, herbal products, or medications, such as other antiarrhythmic drugs, heart medications, or antihypertensive drugs .
Do not do activities that require alertness after taking dofetilide, because this drug can cause headaches.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Tell your doctor that you are taking dofetilide if you are planning to have surgery or certain medical procedures, including dental work.
Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using dofetilide capsules.
Dosage and Rules for Use Dofetilide
The dose of dofetilide will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition. However, in general to treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, the dose is 500 mcg, 2 times a day. The dose can be reduced or even the administration of the drug can be stopped depending on the patient's condition and the results of the heart record (ECG) examination.
How to Take Dofetilide Properly
Dofetilide in capsule form will be given by a doctor at the hospital. Patients must be hospitalized for 3–4 days while undergoing treatment with dofetilide, so that doctors can monitor the progress of the patient's condition.
Follow all the doctor's instructions while undergoing treatment with dofetilide capsules. The doctor will monitor the patient's blood pressure, heart rhythm, and kidney function during treatment with dofetilide.
The use of dofetilide is not to cure arrhythmia, this drug is only to control the heart rhythm so that it remains regular. Continue to consume dofetilide according to doctor's recommendations even though the condition has improved. Do not stop taking dofetilide suddenly because it can make your condition worse.
Dofetilide can be taken with or without food. It is recommended to take dofetilide capsules at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect.
For patients who forget to take dofetilide capsules, it is recommended to drink it immediately if the gap with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Dofetilide Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that may occur when using dofetilide with other drugs:
Increased risk of torsades de pointes , which are dangerous heart rhythm disturbances when used with hydrochlorothiazide , verapamil, cimetidine , dolutegravir, trimethoprim , ketoconazole, prochlorperazine , or megestrol
Increased risk of side effects when used with other antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants , fluoroquinolone antibiotics or macrolides
Increased blood levels of dofetilide when used with metformin, amiloride , or triamterene
In addition, blood levels of dofetilide can also increase if this drug is taken with grapefruit .
Dofetilide Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that may appear after using dofetilide capsules are headaches, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, back pain, or sleep disturbances .
Tell your doctor if the side effects that have been mentioned do not go away or get worse. Immediately report to the doctor or medical officer on duty if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
Chest pain
Fast , slow, or irregular heartbeat
Severe dizziness or fainting