Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Tikosyn
Dofetilide is a class III antiarrhythmic drug used to restore and maintain normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm) in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. It works by blocking specific potassium channels in the heart, prolonging the duration of the action potential and effectively slowing down the heart rate. Dofetilide is generally prescribed for patients who have experienced these arrhythmias and require pharmacological intervention to maintain a normal heart rhythm.
Used to restore and maintain normal heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Dofetilide can cause serious and potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, including Torsades de Pointes. Initiation of dofetilide therapy should only occur in a hospital setting with continuous electrocardiographic monitoring for at least 3 days. Careful patient selection, including assessment of renal function and electrolyte levels, is crucial to minimize the risk of these proarrhythmic effects. Correct dosing based on creatinine clearance is essential.
Outcome:
Increased dofetilide levels and risk of Torsades de Pointes
Mechanism:
Inhibition of dofetilide metabolism
Outcome:
Increased risk of QT prolongation
Mechanism:
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization
Outcome:
No clinically significant interaction expected
Mechanism:
None known
Most likely new formulation: extended-release formulation (Year: 2026, 30% confidence)
Based on current usage trends and safety profile, there is a low ( <5%) likelihood of regulatory changes in the near future.
Class III Antiarrhythmic
Methanesulfonanilide