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Tikosyn Tips

Tikosyn is a cardiac drug prescribed to treat an arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm. It blocks abnormal heart rhythms by slowing nerve impulses in the heart, which allows the heart to resume a more normal pattern. Tikosyn is available in capsule form by prescription only.

  1. How to Take

    • According to drugs.com, Tikosyn may initiate new arrhythmias and because of this danger, you should be monitored in a medical facility during the first three days of treatment.
      Take Tikosyn consistently, even when you are feeling well. You may take this medication with food, but it is not necessary. You must take Tikosyn at the same time every day so the level of medication stays constant in your blood. According to Pfizer, the manufacturer of Tikosyn, you should not try to make up for a missed dose because if you take too much of the drug it might trigger an arrhythmia. If you miss a dose, skip it, and take your regular amount at the next scheduled time.

    Side Effects

    • Watch for symptoms that might indicate Tikosyn is causing an abnormal heartbeat. These symptoms include feeling faint, becoming dizzy or having a rapid heart rate. According to Pfizer, if you experience these symptoms you should call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. They advise you to take your medication along to show the doctor.

      If you develop diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, lose your appetite or develop an unusual thirst, call your doctor. Taking Tikosyn while you have those symptoms may cause an abnormal heart rhythm to develop.

    Contraindications

    • Do not take Tikosyn if you have an irregular heart rhythm that is caused by a QT prolongation. Your doctor diagnoses this abnormal heartbeat by reading your EKG. An EKG is a diagnostic test where electrodes are placed on your chest that transmit your heart rhythm onto graph paper for your doctor to analyze.

      Do not take Tikosyn if you take cimetidine, megestrol acetate, hydrochlorothiazide, itraconazole, ketoconazole, prochlorperazine, verapamil or trimethoprim, as a serious drug interaction could occur.

    Cautions

    • Be aware of possible reasons you should not take Tikosyn. If you are pregnant, might become pregnant, are breast feeding, have allergies, have cardiac disease, liver disease or kidney disease, Tikosyn might be too hazardous for you. According to drugs.com, you should use caution with Tikosyn if you have low potassium or magnesium levels. You should consult with your doctor before taking supplemental potassium or a salt substitute.

      Tikosyn has the potential to cause dangerous side effects when taken with other medications, supplements or herbs. Be sure to tell your doctor about all other preparations and drugs you take on a regular or occasional basis. To avoid the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, do not begin other prescription or over-the-counter drugs while taking Tikosyn without consulting your doctor first.

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