Encainide
Encainide is a Class IC antiarrhythmic medication used to treat certain heart rhythm disorders. It works by blocking sodium channels in cardiac tissue, helping to stabilize irregular heartbeats. Due to safety concerns, this medication is no longer available in most markets.
Encainide is a discontinued Class IC antiarrhythmic that was previously used to treat cardiac arrhythmias.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01BC08
- RxNorm
- 42368
- Generic
- Encainide
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Encainide was used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and certain supraventricular arrhythmias. However, due to safety concerns regarding proarrhythmic effects, its use has been discontinued.
As a Class IC antiarrhythmic, encainide blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, slowing the rate at which heart muscle cells conduct electrical impulses. This reduces abnormal cardiac rhythms by decreasing the excitability of cardiac tissue.
This medication has been withdrawn from markets worldwide due to increased mortality risk observed in clinical trials (particularly in post-myocardial infarction patients). It should only be used under strict specialist supervision if available through special access programs. Patients should be monitored for worsening arrhythmias and appropriate alternative therapies should be considered.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy