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Flecainide: Current status and perspectives in arrhythmia management.
George K Andrikopoulos1, Sokratis Pastromas1, Stylianos Tzeis1
1George K Andrikopoulos, Sokratis Pastromas, Stylianos Tzeis, Department of Cardiology, Henry Dunant Hospital, Athens, 11526 Attica, Greece.
World Journal of Cardiology
|February 27, 2015
Summary
Flecainide acetate is a first-line antiarrhythmic for atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardias. However, it is contraindicated in structural heart disease due to proarrhythmic risks, but shows promise for specific ventricular arrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Flecainide acetate is a Class IC antiarrhythmic agent with established clinical efficacy.
- It is a recommended first-line therapy for atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current clinical data on flecainide use.
- To discuss concerns regarding flecainide in patients with coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial results.
- Analysis of recent data on flecainide's role in specific arrhythmias.
Main Results:
- Flecainide is effective for atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardias.
- Contraindicated in structural heart disease due to proarrhythmic risk (Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial).
- Shows potential in preventing ventricular tachyarrhythmias in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Conclusions:
- Flecainide remains a key therapy for specific arrhythmias.
- Careful patient selection is crucial, especially in those with structural heart disease or coronary artery disease.
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