PROPAFENONE

Brand & Generic Names

Rhythmol

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antiarrhythmic

Uses

Treats severe heartbeat irregularities (life-threatening ventricular rhythm disturbances).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.

When to take:
At the same time each day, according to instructions on prescription label.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Slows electrical activity in the heart to decrease the excitability of the heart muscle.

Time lapse before drug works:
3-1/2 hours to 1 week for full effect. Begins working almost immediately.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine (including non-prescription drugs such as cough and cold medicines, nose drops, vitamins, laxatives, antacids, diet pills, or caffeine) without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Very rapid heart rate that is also irregular.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Sever chest pain, severe Seek emergency shortness of breath. treatment.

Common:

• Faster or more irregular heartbeat.
• Taste change, dizziness.

Infrequent:

• Blurred vision, skin rash.
• Constipation, diarrhea.
• Dry mouth, mausea.

Rare:

Fever, chills, trembling, joint pain, slow heartbeat.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to propafenone.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have asthma or bronchospasm.
• If you have congestive heart failure.
• If you have liver disease or kidney disease.
• If you have a recent history of heart attack.
• If you have a pacemaker.

Over age 60:
More likely to have decreased kidney function and require dosage modification.

Pregnancy:
Safety not established. Decide with your doctor if drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
No proven problems. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Safety and efficacy not established.

Prolonged use:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Dosages of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine, especially if you are to be anesthetized.
• Report changes in symptoms to your doctor and return for periodic visits to check progress.
• Carry or wear a medical I.D. card or bracelet.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Anesthetics, local	May increase risk of side effects.
Anticoagulants*	May require anticoagulant dosage
	adjustment.
Beta-adrenergic	Increased beta blocker effect.
Digitalis preparations*	Increased digitalis absorption. May
	require decreased dosage of digitalis
	preparation.
Paroxetine	Increased effects of both drugs.
Warfarin	Increased warfarin concentration.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Unpredictable effect on heartbeat.
	Avoid.
Caffeine drinks.	Increased heartbeat irregularity.
	Avoid.
Cocaine:	Increased heartbeat irregularity.
	Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Increased heartbeat irregularity. Avoid.
Tobacco:	Increased heartbeat irregularity.
	Avoid.