Tikosyn (dofetilide) is a brand-name drug prescribed for atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter in adults. Tikosyn comes as an oral capsule that’s typically taken twice per day. The dosage can vary depending on the condition being treated.

Tikosyn belongs to a drug class called class III antiarrhythmics. Tikosyn is available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Tikosyn, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Tikosyn, including details about its uses, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Tikosyn provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Tikosyn, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below are details about Tikosyn’s recommended dosages.

Tikosyn form

Tikosyn comes as an oral capsule.

Tikosyn strengths

Tikosyn capsules come in three strengths:

  • 125 micrograms (mcg)
  • 250 mcg
  • 500 mcg

Typical dosages

Tikosyn is used in adults to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter in certain situations. AFib and atrial flutter are arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended for Tikosyn’s specific uses. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

Note: Your doctor will start your Tikosyn treatment in the hospital. They’ll determine the right dosage based on your kidney function and EKG results. Depending on your test results, they may lower your Tikosyn dosage. (For details, see the “Factors that can affect your dosage” section below.) You’ll take the drug on your own when you go home from the hospital.

Dosage to maintain a normal sinus rhythm in AFib or atrial flutter

Tikosyn is used in adults to maintain a normal sinus rhythm after cardioversion for AFib or atrial flutter. The typically recommended dosage is 500 mcg twice per day. (A normal sinus rhythm is a heart rate of around 60–100 beats per minute.)

Dosage to convert AFib or atrial flutter to a normal sinus rhythm

Tikosyn is used in adults to convert AFib or atrial flutter to a normal sinus rhythm. The typically recommended dosage is 500 mcg twice per day.

Long-term treatment

Tikosyn is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Tikosyn is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about your treatment plan, talk with your doctor.

The Tikosyn dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • your EKG results, in particular, your QT interval*
  • your kidney function
  • other medications you may take

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Tikosyn dosage.

* Your QT interval is the time (interval) between your heart contracting and relaxing.

Dosage adjustments

A long QT interval increases the chance of an arrhythmia* (irregular heart rhythm) known as torsades de pointes. Your doctor will monitor your QT interval on an EKG. If your QT interval is too long, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Tikosyn.

Kidney problems can cause Tikosyn to build up in the body and increase the risk of a ventricular arrhythmia.* So if your kidneys don’t work as well as usual, your doctor may lower your Tikosyn dosage. Your doctor will order kidney function tests to monitor how well your kidneys work.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Tikosyn dosage.

* Tikosyn has a boxed warning about the risk of a new or worsening arrhythmia. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. To learn more, see “Boxed warning: Risk of a new or worsening arrhythmia” at the beginning of this article.

Tikosyn comes as an oral capsule that you swallow, with or without food.

Your doctor will start your Tikosyn treatment in the hospital. Then they’ll have you take it on your own when you go home. Always follow your doctor’s directions for how to take Tikosyn.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Tikosyn in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Tikosyn, skip it and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed one.

To help make sure that you do not miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

If you take more Tikosyn than your doctor prescribes, you may develop harmful effects. For information about Tikosyn’s side effects, see this article.

It’s important that you do not take more Tikosyn than your doctor advises.

Symptoms of an overdose

Tikosyn overdose can cause a new or worsening arrhythmia* (irregular heart rhythm), including:

If you have questions about Tikosyn and overdose, talk with your doctor.

* Tikosyn has a boxed warning about this risk. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. To learn more, see “Boxed warning: Risk of a new or worsening arrhythmia” at the beginning of this article.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Tikosyn

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Tikosyn. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Tikosyn for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Tikosyn without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Tikosyn that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Tikosyn. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Tikosyn. For information about other aspects of Tikosyn, refer to this article.
  • Drug comparison. Find out how Tikosyn compares with sotalol and amiodarone.
  • Details about your condition. For details about the conditions Tikosyn is prescribed to treat, see our list of arrhythmia articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.