Antiarrhythmics for Congenital Heart Defects

Antiarrhythmic medicine side effects are specific to each type of medicine. Your child's doctor will check your child closely for serious side effects such as an abnormal heart rate problem.

Ask your child's doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of your child's medicine. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with the medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after your child takes the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother your child and you wonder if he or she should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower the dose or change the medicine. Do not suddenly have your child quit taking your medicine unless your doctor says to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if your child has:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if your child has:

• Hives.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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