Tikosyn (Dofetilide) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

May 26, 2012

Tikosyn

Atrial Fibrillation »

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, abnormal rhythm of the heart.

The heart contracts (beats) and pumps blood with a regular rhythm, for example, at a rate of 60 beats per minute there is a beat every second. The heart may beat faster or slower with a shorter or longer interval between beats, but at any one rate the interval between beats is constant. This regular rhythm occurs as a result of regular electrical discharges (currents) that travel through the heart and cause the muscle of the heart to contract. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical discharges are irregular and rapid and, as a result, the heart beats irregularly and, usually, rapidly.

Atrial fibrillation is common; half a million new cases are diagnosed yearly in the U.S., and billions of dollars are spent annually on its diagnosis and treatment.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

Normal function of the he...

Read the Atrial Fibrillation article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Tikosyn User Reviews >>

Tikosyn

Heart Disease Slideshow Pictures

Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection

Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

font size

TIKOSYN®
(dofetilide) Capsules

To minimize the risk of induced arrhythmia, patients initiated or re-initiated on TIKOSYN should be placed for a minimum of 3 days in a facility that can provide calculations of creatinine clearance, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, and cardiac resuscitation. For detailed instructions regarding dose selection, see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. TIKOSYN is available only to hospitals and prescribers who have received appropriate TIKOSYN dosing and treatment initiation education; see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

TIKOSYN® (dofetilide) is an antiarrhythmic drug with Class III (cardiac action potential duration prolonging) properties. Its empirical formula is C₁₉H₂₇N₃O₅S₂ and it has a molecular weight of 441.6. The structural formula is

TIKOSYN® (dofetilide) Structural Formula Illustration

The chemical name for dofetilide is:

N-[4-[2-[methyl[2-[4-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]phenoxy]ethyl]amino]ethyl]phenyl]- methanesulfonamide.

Dofetilide is a white to off-white powder. It is very slightly soluble in water and propan-2-ol and is soluble in 0.1M aqueous sodium hydroxide, acetone, and aqueous 0.1M hydrochloric acid.

TIKOSYN capsules contain the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate. TIKOSYN is supplied for oral administration in three dosage strengths: 125 mcg (0.125 mg) orange and white capsules, 250 mcg (0.25 mg) peach capsules, and 500 mcg (0.5 mg) peach and white capsules.

What are the possible side effects of dofetilide (Tikosyn)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath; or
feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

headache or back pain;
dizziness;
nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
sleep problems...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Tikosyn »

What are the precautions when taking dofetilide (Tikosyn)?

Before taking dofetilide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver disease.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Dofetilide may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms...

Read All Potential Precautions of Tikosyn »

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/16/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.