Bretylium
Generic name: Bretylium [ bre-TIL-e-um ]
Drug class: Group III antiarrhythmics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 19, 2024.
Uses of Bretylium:
- It is used to treat certain types of abnormal heartbeats.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Bretylium?
- If you are allergic to bretylium; any part of bretylium; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: High pressure in the lungs or narrow heart valve (aortic stenosis).
- If you are taking digoxin.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with bretylium.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take bretylium with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Bretylium?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take bretylium. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- This medicine is only to be used to treat certain types of abnormal heartbeats. Other abnormal heartbeats have happened with bretylium, which in rare cases can be deadly. Talk to the doctor if you have any questions about bretylium.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- If you are 65 or older, use bretylium with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Bretylium) best taken?
Use bretylium as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
- It may be given as a shot into a vein.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Dizziness or passing out.
- Very bad headache.
- An abnormal heartbeat that is new or worse.
- Fever.
Related/similar drugs
amiodarone, lidocaine, flecainide, propafenone, Pacerone, mexiletine, vasopressin, Cordarone, DentiPatch
What are some other side effects of Bretylium?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Bretylium?
- If you need to store bretylium at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about bretylium, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about bretylium
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: group III antiarrhythmics
- Breastfeeding
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.