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Overview: Cardamyst is a ready-to-use nasal spray that helps people who have symptoms from episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Nasal discomfort is a common side effect. You may also have nasal congestion or a runny nose. This medicine is only used when needed. Make sure that you know when and how to use Cardamyst. A second dose at least 10 minutes after a first dose may be needed. Get emergency help if your symptoms do not get better within 20 minutes after use of a second dose.

Uses

What is Cardamyst used for?

Cardamyst (etripamil) is commonly used as-needed to help restore a normal heart rhythm in people who have symptoms from an episode of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), which is a type of heartbeat that is too fast.

Cardamyst for PSVT: What You Should Know

Cardamyst may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Cardamyst work (mechanism of action)?

If your heart beats in a regular, organized way, you are in what is called normal sinus rhythm. Sometimes, the heart beats faster than normal (tachycardia). You have what is called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) if your heart beats faster than normal because of abnormal electrical signals that come from the upper part of your heart. 

Cardamyst works by blocking certain calcium channels in the heart. By doing this, it interrupts abnormal electrical signals at the atrioventricular (AV) node (a cluster of cells between the upper and lower chambers of the heart). The medicine can help restore normal sinus rhythm in people with PSVT.

How is Cardamyst supplied (dosage forms)?

Cardamyst is available in a 70 mg nasal spray device that delivers two sprays per dose.

How should I store Cardamyst?

Cardamyst nasal spray should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Cardamyst?

The most common side effects of Cardamyst are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nasal congestion or discomfort
  • Bloody nose
  • Runny nose
  • Throat irritation

There may be other side effects of Cardamyst that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Cardamyst?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Cardamyst are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cardamyst may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Cardamyst and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Fainting. Cardamyst may cause you to faint. It may also cause dizziness. This medicine affects your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart electrical activity. You may be at increased risk if you have fainted when you have had an episode of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in the past. You may also be at a higher risk if your blood pressure is low or you have certain heart problems. Before you use Cardamyst, make sure that you are seated in a place that you will not fall if you feel dizzy or faint. After using this medicine, lie down right away if you become dizzy or lightheaded. Tell a caregiver to place you on your back and get medical help right away if you faint.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Cardamyst?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Cardamyst.

  • Cardamyst
  • Etripamil
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Cardamyst.

Heart Problems. Cardamyst should not be used if you have any of the following heart problems.

What should I know about Cardamyst before using it?

Do not use Cardamyst unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. 

Do not share Cardamyst with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Cardamyst out of the reach of children.

Make sure that you know when to use Cardamyst. Cardamyst is only used when needed. Use this medicine as soon as possible after you start to have symptoms from paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. However, do not use more than 2 devices in a single day (24 hours).

Also, make sure that you know how to use Cardamyst. Cardamyst is a ready-to-use nasal spray. Do not prime the device (test spray), as you will lose medicine. Each device contains two sprays (which is one dose). Throw away the Cardamyst device after using it.

Carefully read and follow the “Instructions for Use” that comes with this medicine. Each Cardamyst nasal spray device delivers 2 sprays (one spray in each nostril). If you feel that you did not get the full dose because of misuse or a device problem, wait at least 10 minutes to see if you still have symptoms.

If you still have symptoms 10 minutes after a dose, your health care provider may want you to use a second dose (one spray in each nostril). Carefully follow the directions from your health care provider. Get help right away if you still have symptoms 20 minutes after using a second dose.

Make sure that you are sitting down before using Cardamyst. Sit in a place where you will not fall if you faint. Lie down if you feel dizzy or lightheaded after using this medicine. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Cardamyst?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Cardamyst is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Low blood pressure
  • Fainting episode

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Cardamyst could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed for 12 hours after using Cardamyst. During this time, pump and throw away your breast milk. It is not known if Cardamyst passes into breast milk. Pumping and throwing away your milk for 12 hours after using Caradmyst will lower any possible exposure of your baby to this medicine. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Cardamyst?

For more information about Cardamyst, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at cardamyst.com or call them at 844-805-5810.

Interactions

Does Cardamyst interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Cardamyst and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Cardamyst.

Does Cardamyst interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Cardamyst may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cardamyst?

If you or someone else has used too much Cardamyst, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Cardamyst?

Cardamyst is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.