Dofetilide is a medication used to manage atrial (upper portion of your heart) arrythmias (irregular heart rhythms) such as atrial flutter and fibrillation. Dofetilide belongs to a class of medicines called antiarrythmics, and it helps your heart beat in a normal fashion. Your doctor will admit you to your local hospital, especially during the first 3 days of taking dofetilide so that she can monitor your heart rate with an electrocardiogram (EKG) and kidney function through simple blood tests. MedlinePlus says that Dofetilide is available as a capsule and is typically taken two times a day.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, dofetilide can commonly cause a headache, back pain, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. It can also cause trouble sleeping, a runny nose, a sore throat and a skin rash. MedlinePlus says that dofetilide can cause respiratory infections, back pain, chest pain and flu symptoms. Call your physician if these side effects do not subside within 3 days.
Harmful Side Effects
Inform your doctor if you develop the following life threatening side effects: an irregular heartbeat, diaphoresis (sweating) and a rash. Defetilide may induce vomiting, and this can deplete you of essential nutrients like potassium. This medication can also cause lack of thirst. Decreased fluid consumption can lead to dehydration. Without enough fluids, your skin becomes dry, and if prolonged, can result in acute to chronic kidney failure. Other harmful side effects include stomach problems. Get medical help as soon as you notice these symptoms.
Additional Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, dofetilide can also cause high blood pressure, peripheral edema (swelling of your arms or legs), a urinary tract infection, liver damage and a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). It can also cause facial paralysis, migraines, a myocardial infarction (heart attack), paralysis, syncope (fainting) and even death.
Miscellaneous Concerns
Allergies to dofetilide can cause trouble breathing, hives or angioedema (facial or throat swelling). Inform you doctor whether you are taking such medications as megestrol, cimetidine, verapamil, trimethoprim, ketoconazole or prochlorperazine, says Drugs.com. These medications may interact with dofetilide and provoke the aforementioned side effects.
MedlinePlus says you should tell your doctor if you suffer from liver problems, long QT syndrome (heart electrical conduction problem) or kidney disease. Dofetilide may exacerbate these symptoms.
It is unknown if dofetilide can harm your baby during pregnancy or nursing. Tell your doctor if you plan to nurse or become pregnant.
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