Dofetilide : Before Using

Dofetilide - Systemic

Brand Names

Tikosyn Dofetilide *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. The following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reaction to dofetilide.

Pregnancy care

Dofetilide has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in pets have shown that dofetilide causes birth defects. Before taking this drug, make sure your family doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding problem

It is not known whether dofetilide passes into breast milk. However, the manufacturer does not recommend breast-feeding while taking dofetilide.

Use for Children

Studies on this drug have been done only in adult diseaseds, and there is no special info comparing use of dofetilide in child less than 18 years of age with use in other age groups.

Elderly care

This drug has been tested in diseaseds 65 to 89 years old and has not been shown to cause various side effects or problems in older people than it does in adults people.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking dofetilide, it is especially important that your family doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

Antiarrhythmic or other heart drug, such as amiodarone - Cordarone taken within the last 3 months
Antibiotics like macrolides or trimethoprim, alone or in combination with sulfamethoxazole - Biaxin, E-Mycin, ERYC, Ery-Tab, Trimpex, Bactrim, Septra
Bepridil - Vascor
Cimetidine - Tagamet
Cisapride - Propulsid
Ketoconazole - Nizoral
Megestrol - Megace
Phenothiazines like prochlorperazine or trifluoperazine - Compazine, Stelazine
Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline or desipramine - Elavil or Norpramin
Verapamil - Calan, Covera-HS, isoptin SR, Verelan may cause irregular heartbeats

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of dofetilide. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Electrolyte disorders, such as low potassium or magnesium levels
Heart rhythm problems may cause irregular heartbeats
Liver disease - severe Safety in this condition is unknown
Kidney disease Higher blood levels may occur, which may increase the risk of side effects. Your family doctor may need to change your dose.