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Brand Names: Tikosyn

Generic Name: dofetilide (Pronunciation: doe FET i lide)

• What is dofetilide (Tikosyn)?
• What are the possible side effects of dofetilide (Tikosyn)?
• What is the most important information I should know about dofetilide (Tikosyn)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dofetilide (Tikosyn)?
• How should I take dofetilide (Tikosyn)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tikosyn)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tikosyn)?
• What should I avoid while taking dofetilide (Tikosyn)?
• What other drugs will affect dofetilide (Tikosyn)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is dofetilide (Tikosyn)?

Dofetilide is a heart rhythm medication, also called an antiarrhythmic.

Dofetilide is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders of the atrium (the upper chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into the heart). Dofetilide is used in people with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

Dofetilide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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 (insomnia);
• stuffy or runny nose, cough, sore throat; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about dofetilide (Tikosyn)?

You should not use this medication if you have severe kidney disease or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

There are many other medicines that can cause serious medical problems if you take them together with dofetilide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

You may need to spend at least 3 days in a hospital setting when you first start taking dofetilide. This is so your heart rhythm and kidney function can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects.

Tell your doctor if you have an illness that involves diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than a few hours. Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting can lower your potassium levels, making it dangerous for you to use dofetilide.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your heart and kidney function will also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Dofetilide may be available only from a hospital or specialty pharmacy.