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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dofetilide (Tikosyn)?

You should not take dofetilide if you are allergic to it, or if you have

• severe kidney disease (or you are on dialysis); or
• a history of Long QT syndrome.

• cimetidine (Tagamet);
• ketoconazole (Nizoral);
• megestrol (Megace);
• prochlorperazine (Compazine);
• trimethoprim (Proloprim, Trimpex, Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra);
• verapamil (Covera, Calan, Isoptin, Verelan); or
• a diuretic (water pill) that contains hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), such as Accuretic, Aldactazide, Aldoril, Amturnide, Atacand HCT, Avalide, Benicar HCT, Capozide, Diovan HCT, Dyazide, Exforge HCT, Hyzaar, Hydra-Zide, HydroDiuril, Inderide, Lopressor HCT, Lotensin HCT, Maxzide, Micardis HCT, Moduretic, Monopril HCT, Prinzide, Tekturna HCT, Teveten HCT, Tribenzor, Uniretic, Vaseretic, Zestoretic, Ziac, and others.

To make sure you can safely take dofetilide, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• kidney disease;
• severe liver disease;
• depression, mental illness; or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dofetilide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether dofetilide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using dofetilide.

How should I take dofetilide (Tikosyn)?

Dofetilide is available only from a hospital or specialty pharmacy.

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Dofetilide comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

You may take dofetilide with or without food.

Do not skip doses or stop taking dofetilide without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, or heavy sweating. These conditions can cause an electrolyte imbalance, making it dangerous for you to use dofetilide.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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