From the FDA Drug Label
Nausea 8.9% 4.9% 4.8% 6.0% Gastrointestinal: vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, anorexia Yes, Flecainide can cause nausea in some patients, with an incidence of 8.9% in the multicenter study 1.
- The incidence of nausea was dose-dependent, with 4.9% of patients experiencing nausea at a dose of 200 mg/day, 4.8% at 300 mg/day, and 6.0% at 400 mg/day.
- Other gastrointestinal adverse effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and anorexia, were also reported in patients treated with Flecainide 1.
From the Research
Flecainide can cause nausea as a side effect, as reported in several studies, including a 2020 retrospective study that found 11.1% of patients reported adverse effects, although nausea was not specifically mentioned as one of the most common side effects in this study 2. However, other studies have mentioned nausea as a potential side effect of Flecainide, such as a 2014 case report of Flecainide-induced myoclonus, which also mentioned that dizziness, visual disturbances, headache, and nausea are commonly associated with Flecainide 3. Additionally, a 1996 comparative study of Flecainide versus propafenone found that gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, were more often reported in the propafenone group, but neurologic signs were more common in the Flecainide group 4. It's worth noting that the incidence of side effects, including nausea, may vary depending on the population being studied and the specific context in which Flecainide is being used. Some key points to consider when taking Flecainide and experiencing nausea include:
- Taking the medication with food may help reduce nausea
- Not stopping the medication without consulting a healthcare provider, as abrupt discontinuation could worsen cardiac condition
- Contacting a healthcare provider if nausea becomes severe or persistent, as they may adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative medication
- Being aware of other common side effects of Flecainide, such as dizziness, visual disturbances, and headache. Overall, while nausea is a potential side effect of Flecainide, the medication is generally well-tolerated, and its benefits in controlling abnormal heart rhythms often outweigh the risks of adverse effects, as supported by a 2020 study that found Flecainide to be effective in maintaining symptomatic control in patients with atrial fibrillation at 12 months 2.