[Flecainide and anti-arrhythmia therapy]

Flecainide is a benzenacetamide synthesised about a decade ago and only recently introduced into the treatment of arrhythmias. Its electrophysiological properties place it in Class IC of the anti-arrhythmia drugs. Flecainide has proved useful in the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation (especially in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White disease), in reciprocating supraventricular tachycardias and in focal atrial tachycardias. The drug is also extremely effective in ventricular ectopias with a success rate of over 90%. Flecainide is therefore destined to be widely used in the treatment of arrhythmias and is indicated for both supraventricular and ventricular forms, particularly those resistant to other treatment. In addition the biological availability and long half life of Flecainide make it suitable for even very prolonged treatment.