Q- What is Tikosyn (Dofetilide)

Tikosyn is a prescription oral medication, taken twice a day (12 hours apart). It is used to help patients with atrial fibrillation keep their sinus rhythm. Tikosyn is an antiarrhythmic drug that has been on the market since 2000.


Q- What is the most important information I should know about TIKOSYN?

Treatment with Tikosyn must begin in a hospital where your EKG will be monitored for the first three days to determine the correct dose. It's important that you take the precise dose of Tikosyn that your healthcare provider prescribed when you get home. If you are starting any new medicine while on Tikosyn, please contact your healthcare provider.

Your Hospital Stay-

The amount of Tikosyn you take is a crucial part of your treatment. Your healthcare provider will want to make sure you're getting the proper dosage. There are two types of tests to find this dose.

  • Daily Blood tests- Your care team will test a small amount of your blood to check your kidney function and potassium/magnesium level(s)
  • EKG monitoring is done every two hours after receiving each dose of Tikosyn (dofetilide)
  • The hospital is the best place to do these tests. For these reasons, a Tikosyn prescription starts with a 3-day hospital stay. There will be a team of medical staff who will support you while you are there. This will help make sure you get the dose that is right for you. Prior to discharge, you will receive a 30-day supply of the medication


Q- Are there any side effects from Tikosyn (dofetilide)?

Like other arrhythmia medicines, Tikosyn can cause side effects. In fact, Tikosyn can cause serious side effects. They include a type of abnormal heartbeat called Torsade de Pointes. Taking the right dose can reduce the risk of developing sideeffects. Tikosyn is started in the hospital. This is to make sure you get the right dose. If this very rare side effect occurs, healthcare providers will be there to take care of you. If you have concerns, talk to your healthcare provider.


Q- How should I take TIKOSYN?

You must take Tikosyn exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. After your hospital stay, you will know what your personal Tikosyn dose is. Then, it is important you take that dose every day. Your healthcare provider will tell you more about the best time of day to take Tikosyn.

Keep these in mind:

  • Do not change your Tikosyn dose unless your healthcare provider tells you to
  • If you miss a dose, just take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses of Tikosyn at the same time
  • Never take an extra dose of Tikosyn, no matter how you feel
  • If you take too much Tikosyn: Call your health care provider
  • Your healthcare provider will be contacting you after your discharge to schedule a follow-up visit.
  • Take Tikosyn with or without food
  • Do not stop taking Tikosyn until your healthcare provider tells you to stop.



Reference: https://s3.amazonaws.com/pfizerpro.com/assets/brand/tikosyn/pdf_content/Patient_Brochure.pdf