Dofetilide

Atrial Flutter, Atrial Fibrillation, pathologic fistula
Treatment
6 FDA approvals
1 Active Study for Dofetilide

What is Dofetilide

DofetilideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDofetilide is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to keep the heart beating regularly in people who are prone to abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation and flutter. It can also be used to restore the normal rhythm of the heart from atrial fibrillation and flutter.
Tikosynis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Dofetilide Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Tikosyn
Dofetilide
1999
57

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Dofetilide, otherwise known as Tikosyn, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including Atrial Fibrillation and Normal Sinus Rhythm .
Atrial Fibrillation
Helps manage symptomatic, recurrent Atrial Fibrillation
Normal Sinus Rhythm
symptomatic, recurrent Atrial Fibrillation
Helps manage symptomatic, recurrent Atrial Fibrillation
symptomatic Atrial flutter
Helps manage symptomatic Atrial flutter
Atrial Flutter
Helps manage symptomatic Atrial flutter
pathologic fistula

Effectiveness

How Dofetilide Affects PatientsDofetilide is a medicinal drug used to control abnormal heart rhythms. It helps to keep the heart in a regular rhythm by making the electrical signal in the heart last longer. Dofetilide specifically affects the IKr channel, but not other channels that help the heart's repolarization. It does not affect sodium channels, nor does it interact with receptors for adrenaline.
How Dofetilide works in the bodyDofetilide works by blocking a type of potassium channel in the heart. This blocks the flow of potassium in and out of heart cells, which makes the heart beat slower, and also makes it harder for electrical signals to be passed between heart cells. This helps to regulate heart rhythm.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dosage of Dofetilide is based upon the identified affliction, such as pathologic fistula, Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter. The dosage quantity is contingent on the method of administration as featured in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Atrial Fibrillation
0.125 mg, , 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Atrial Flutter
0.125 mg, , 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
pathologic fistula
0.125 mg, , 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Dofetilide.
Common Dofetilide Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Anagrelide
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Dofetilide is combined with Anagrelide.
Arsenic trioxide
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Dofetilide is combined with Arsenic trioxide.
Artemether
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Dofetilide is combined with Artemether.
Asenapine
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Dofetilide is combined with Asenapine.
Cisapride
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Dofetilide is combined with Cisapride.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Dofetilide Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Dofetilide?

One active clinical trial is currently evaluating the capacity of Dofetilide to ameliorate Atrial Fibrillation, pathologic fistula and Atrial Flutter.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Atrial Flutter
0 Actively Recruiting
pathologic fistula
0 Actively Recruiting
Atrial Fibrillation
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable

Dofetilide Reviews: What are patients saying about Dofetilide?

5Patient Review
2/1/2016
Dofetilide for Atrial Fibrillation
I have used this drug for over 10 years now and it has really helped me.
5Patient Review
2/27/2009
Dofetilide for Atrial Fibrillation Electrically Shocked to Normal Rhythm
I was passing out 6-7 times a day before this treatment. I tried multiple medications that never worked, but Tikosyn has renewed my quality of life.
5Patient Review
8/22/2010
Dofetilide for Atrial Fibrillation
I've been on this medication for about a month and it's going well so far. The only downside is that my appetite has increased dramatically and I am constipated. Since it is the only new med I have been taking, I can only attribute the side effects to this med. The upside for me, my heart is beating stronger than before, which I take as good news.
5Patient Review
2/1/2016
Dofetilide for Atrial Fibrillation
I have used this drug for over 10 years and it has been incredibly effective.
5Patient Review
8/22/2010
Dofetilide for Atrial Fibrillation
I've been on this medication for almost a month and it's going great. The only downside is that I'm noticing some changes in my appetite and bathroom habits, but since this is the only new medication I'm taking, I can only attribute those side effects to this drug. On the plus side, though, my heart feels stronger than before - so that's definitely a good sign!
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about dofetilide

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What are side effects of dofetilide?

"-Chest pain -Facial or flaccid paralysis -Numbness or tingling of the hands, feet, or face -Paralysis -Pounding, slow heartbeat -Slurred speech -Swelling of the ankles, arms, face, feet, fingers, legs, lips, tongue, or throat -Troubled breathing"

Answered by AI

What is the purpose of dofetilide?

"Dofetilide is used to treat atrial fibrillation or flutter, as well as to prevent recurrence of these conditions. It has also been used to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias."

Answered by AI

Is dofetilide a beta blocker?

"No, dofetilide (Tikosyn) is not a beta-blocker. Dofetilide (Tikosyn) is not a medication that ends in -olol, which are beta-blockers. Beta-blocking effects are not present at normal doses of dofetilide (Tikosyn)."

Answered by AI

Is dofetilide a safe drug?

"Dofetilide may cause an abnormal heart rhythm condition known as QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a rare condition that can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, and in rare cases can be fatal. Other symptoms associated with QT prolongation include severe dizziness and fainting. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Dofetilide