Propafenone Pronunciation: proe pa FEE known Brand Name: Rythmol

What is the most important information I should know about propafenone?

• Call your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, chest discomfort, worsening irregular heartbeats, blurred or irregular vision, a fever, a sore throat, an infection, or unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Do not skip doses, change your dosing schedule, or stop taking propafenone without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition much worse.

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Propafenone may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.

What is propafenone?

• Propafenone affects the way your heart beats.
• Propafenone is used to treat seriously irregular heartbeats.
• Propafenone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking propafenone?

• Before taking propafenone, tell your doctor if you have

·any other heart disease, any other heart problems, or a pacemaker;
·asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other breathing disorder;
·liver disease; or
·kidney disease.

• You may not be able to take propafenone, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment, if you have any of the conditions listed above.

• Propafenone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether propafenone will harm an unborn baby. Do not take propafenone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

• It is not known whether propafenone passes into breast milk. Do not take propafenone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take propafenone?

• Take propafenone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.

• Propafenone can be taken with or without food.

• Do not skip doses, change your dosing schedule, or stop taking propafenone without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition much worse.

• Store propafenone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Try not to miss any doses of this medication. Missing doses could be very dangerous.

• If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.

• Symptoms of a propafenone overdose include tiredness, dizziness, fainting, confusion, slow heart beats, seizures, and a worsening irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking propafenone?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Propafenone may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.

• Follow any other special instructions your doctor gives you regarding food, beverages, or activities (e.g., driving).

What are the possible side effects of propafenone?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking propafenone and seek emergency medical attention:

·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
·a new or a worsening irregular heartbeat pattern;
·chest pain or chest discomfort;
·shortness of breath and swelling of your legs or ankles;
·unusual bruising or bleeding;
·fever, sore throat, sore mouth, mouth ulcers, or an infection.

• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take propafenone and talk to your doctor if you experience

·dizziness or tiredness;
·upset stomach, vomiting, decreased appetite, or constipation;
·headache or blurred vision; or
·changes in taste.

  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect propafenone?

  • Before taking propafenone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

·a beta-blocker such as acebutolol (Sectral), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), betaxolol (Kerlone), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), or pindolol (Visken);
·a barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital (Nembutal), or secobarbital (Seconal);
·a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
·digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
·cyclosporine (Sandimmune);
·rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin);
·cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
·quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute, Quinora, Quinidex);
·warfarin (Coumadin);
·theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others);
·cisapride (Propulsid);
·grepafloxacin (Raxar) or sparfloxacin (Zagam);
·ritonavir (Norvir);
·troglitazone (Rezulin); or
·tolterodine (Detrol).

  • You may not be able to take propafenone, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with propafenone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about propafenone written for health professionals that you may read.

Brand Names:
• Rythmol