What is a characteristic of tikosyn when used in atrial fibrillation treatment?

Tikosyn (dofetilide) is an antiarrhythmic medication that is specifically indicated for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. One important characteristic of Tikosyn is that it requires in-hospital monitoring, particularly for the QT interval. This is crucial because Tikosyn can cause prolongation of the QT interval, which increases the risk for life-threatening arrhythmias, such as Torsades de Pointes.

When initiated, patients are often started on Tikosyn in a controlled setting where their renal function and cardiac status can be closely monitored for at least the first 2 to 3 days. This monitoring allows healthcare providers to ensure that the patient does not experience any adverse effects related to QT prolongation and can help in adjusting doses as necessary.

While Tikosyn has other relevant characteristics, such as its oral administration and particular pharmacokinetics, the need for in-hospital monitoring stands out as a vital safety measure associated with its use.