Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Flecainide is a potent sodium channel inhibitor that slows phase 0 of the cardiac action potential.Rapid heart rates cause greater drug binding to the sodium channel, a phenomenon termed use dependence.High concentrations of bound drug result in adverse effects due to the physiological effects of sodium channel blockade, including conduction velocity slowing and negative ionotropy.The negative inotropic effect of flecainide toxicity, which can cause or exacerbate heart failure, is an underappreciated phenomenon.We report a case of flecainide toxicity where the negative inotropic effects of flecainide were demonstrated echocardiographically.Given the frequency with which flecainide is utilized, it is important for all healthcare providers to recognize this potentially life-threatening consequence of flecainide toxicity.
Source: Arrhythmia grand rounds
Authors: Ethan R. Ellis, Amit Thosani, Peter Zimetbaum
Institution: University of Colorado Health
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4249511442