Effect of flecainide on cardiac output

The effect of intravenous flecainide (2 mg/kg) on cardiac output was evaluated by a dye dilution method in six healthy nonsmokers. The study was of a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled, randomized, and balanced design. Cardiac output, heart rate, and stroke volume were measured 0, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120,150, 180, and 240 minutes after the beginning of the flecainide infusion. Flecainide reduced cardiac output and stroke volume during the first 90 minutes and heart rate increased during the first 30 minutes after flecainide. Visual analog scales for alertness and dry mouth were determined 0, 10, 60, and 240 minutes after dosing. Alertness was reduced 60 minutes after flecainide, but there was no increase in dryness of the mouth. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1985) 37, 260–263; doi:10.1038/clpt.1985.37