Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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SameDayNurse 01/25/2016

I know that this classification of drugs isn't recommended for anyone with arrhythmia and that it can cause palpitations and heart issues for people who have them and increased heart rate even for people who don't have them.....I have fluid in my ear and I am 99% sure the ENT guy is going to want me to take a couple of days of them tomorrow and Im just wondering if any of you have any experience with taking any of these drugs ? Specifically Sudafed, Actifed or even Afrin nasal spray ? I usually steer clear of them but usually don't need them. I called my heart guys office and they agreed with everything I already know *L* and said if you have to take them try it for a day or two , no more. Interested if any of you have any opinions or experience ? Thanks so much
jan

acdcfan 01/25/2016

a couple years back had a bad sinus infection they gave me actifed heart shot right up put me in afib for a day .but then cardiologist put me on sudafed and worked fine no heart issuses sinuses clear up in a week . never used any nasal spray was first and hopefully last ever get sinuses like that again

yogacat 01/26/2016

Best Wishes for successful outcome!!! Keep us posted.

I had to take Prednisone and a superstrong antibiotic for a lingering pretty awful sinus event a couple of yrs. ago. It put me in and out of afib for a month, but it cleared up my condition. I don't recall what all I had taken before, with Dr's advice, that didn't work.

Best Wishes!!!!!!

lalab707 01/26/2016

It may too late but I try to use sinus rinse on a regular basis, catch word try. I am good at even slight congestion use it twice a day. I have avoided my inhalers and any nose spray for about 2 yrs. No side effects and need for medical intervention, which is usually necessary.

twodrifters 01/26/2016

I have noticed that Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) affects me less than Sudafed (pseudaphedrine). Usually the PE version is available in a lower dose, too (10mg vs. 30mg). That works better for me.

My PCP prescribed the inhaler Xopenex (before my A-fib diagnosis) and I have since had to use it a few times. I did get away with it without it bringing on tachycardia, Afib, etc. He said it would affect my arrhythmia less than other inhalers.

I hope you're feeling better by now!

twodrifters

hegel 01/26/2016

It may be a crapshoot. I had a bad reaction once--very bad--but it was after many days of taking psuedafed.

Fluid build up in your ears is super annoying and can take a long time to resolve, ime. This happened to me last year after I'd sworn off decongestants, which open your eustachian tubes and help the fluid to drain. My doctor did give me 'drying' ear drops that weren't very helpful, but you might ask about that. For me, it took many weeks to end this terrible condition.
Good luck!

sautee 01/26/2016

Probably not enough oomph for your situation - but I've taken Coricidin HPB without incident. Hope all goes well for you!

DavidNRockies 01/26/2016

I'm just getting over a wicked sinus infection with a 104* fever. I took exactly two Sudafed (the pseudoephedrine kind) in the worst couple days.

That night ... my afib/flutter went wild, and stayed wild 24/7 until the fever finally broke a few days later.

We're all different. If you have to go that route, I hope your heart pays no attention.

And I totally agree about nasal irrigation (salt water) AND long steamy showers.

Good luck !

ficus7 01/28/2016

As for me, taking Sudafed PE triggered my first Afib episode 2 years ago, so I have avoided it ever since. I sometimes use an Afrin spray --with no adverse results.

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