Key facts about Dofetilide
What dosages is Dofetilide available in?
Dofetilide is available as a 125 mcg, 250 mcg, and 500 mcg oral capsule.
What is Dofetilide used for?
Dofetilide is an antiarrhythmic that is used for the:
Prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter
Treatment of atrial fibrillation or flutter
How does Dofetilide work?
Dofetilide is an antiarrhythmic medication. It works by blocking potassium channels, which play an important role in regulating your heart’s electrical activity. Dofetilide slows down the electrical activity to keep your heart rhythm normal.
How do I take Dofetilide?
Dofetilide is typically taken as 125 micrograms (mcg), 250 mcg, or 500 mcg by mouth twice daily. Your provider will determine the right dose for you based on various factors, especially your kidney function and your heart rhythm.
Is it safe for me to take Dofetilide?
Dofetilide is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. Dofetilide is contraindicated in patients with congenital or acquired long QT syndromes. Dofetilide should not be used in patients with a baseline QT interval or QTc >440 msec (500 msec in patients with ventricular conduction abnormalities). Dofetilide is also contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (calculated creatinine clearance <20 mL/min).
The concomitant use of verapamil or the cation transport system inhibitors cimetidine, trimethoprim (alone or in combination with sulfamethoxazole), or ketoconazole with Dofetilide is contraindicated (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Drug-Drug Interactions), as each of these drugs cause a substantial increase in Dofetilide plasma concentrations. In addition, other known inhibitors of the renal cation transport system such as prochlorperazine, dolutegravir and megestrol should not be used in patients on Dofetilide. The concomitant use of hydrochlorothiazide (alone or in combinations such as with triamterene) with Dofetilide is contraindicated (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug-Drug Interactions) because this has been shown to significantly increase Dofetilide plasma concentrations and QT interval prolongation. Dofetilide is also contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug.
Dofetilide Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Dofetilide:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Respiratory tract infection
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Dofetilide Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Dofetilide. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat: chest discomfort, dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Dofetilide
The following medications may interact with Dofetilide:
- Cimetidine: Concomitant use of cimetidine is contraindicated
- Verapamil: Concomitant use of verapamil is contraindicated
- Ketoconazole: Concomitant use of ketoconazole is contraindicated
- Trimethoprim Alone or in Combination with Sulfamethoxazole: Concomitant use of trimethoprim alone or in combination with sulfamethoxazole is contraindicated
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Alone or in Combination with Triamterene: Concomitant use of HCTZ alone or in combination with triamterene is contraindicated
Who makes Dofetilide?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Dofetilide safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Dofetilide should only be administered to pregnant women where the benefit to the patient justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
