Propafenone or propafenone hydrochloride is a drugto treat certain heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), such as supraventricular arrhythmias, arrhythmias ventricular, or atrial fibrillation (AF).
Propafenone is a class I antiarrhythmic drug that works by inhibiting the activity of the heart's electrical signals that cause an irregular heartbeat. This medicine will be given in the hospital by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.
Propafenone trademark: Rytmonorm
What is Propafenone
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antiarrhythmic |
| Benefit | Treating supraventricular arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, or atrial fibrillation |
| Used by | Mature |
| Propafenone for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Propafenone can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Propafenone
The following are some things you need to pay attention to before taking propafenone:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Propafenone should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor about your medical history. Propafenone should not be given to patients with heart failure, AV block, cardiogenic shock, bradycardia, or hypotension.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have recently had a heart attack, heart rhythm disturbance, or Brugada syndrome.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, lupus, myasthenia gravis, asthma, COPD, or electrolyte imbalance.
- Tell your doctor if you are using an implanted pacemaker.
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness while taking propafenone, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with propafenone.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Discuss and consult with your doctor about the risk of infertility due to propafenone.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking propafenone before undergoing certain medical procedures or surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking propafenone.
Dose and Rules of Use Propafenone
Your doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment with propafenone based on your age, condition, and your body's response to the drug. The following is the distribution of propafenone doses based on the patient's condition:
- Condition: Supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias
Initial dose 150 mg, 3 times a day. The dose may be increased to 225–300 mg, 3-4 times daily for 3 days. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day.
- Condition: Atrial fibrillation (AF)
The initial dose is 225 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased to 325–425 mg, 2 times daily, for 5 days according to the patient's response.
For patients weighing less than 70 kg and the elderly, the dose will be adjusted according to the patient's condition.
How to Take Propafenone Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging before taking propafenone. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Propafenone can be taken before or after meals. Use plain water to swallow the tablet. Do not chew, split, or crush the tablet as this may increase the risk of side effects.
If you forget to take propafenone, take this medicine immediately if it is not near the time for your next dose. If it is near, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose of propranolol to make up for a missed dose.
While on treatment with propafenone, you will have regular electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure, or complete blood tests.
Avoid consumptiongrapefruit while taking propafenone, because it can increase the risk of side effects.
Store propafenone at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
InteractionPropafenone with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if propafenone is taken with certain drugs, including:
- Increased blood levels of propafenone when used with ritonavir, quinidine, fluoxetine, cimetidine, ketoconazole, erythromycin, or sertraline
- Increased risk of side effects when used with lidocaine, beta-blocking drugs, or tricyclic antidepressants
- Decreased blood levels of propafenone when used with phenobarbital, rifampicin, or orlistat
- Increased risk of developing a proarrhythmia, i.e., the development of a new type of arrhythmia or the recurrence of an old arrhythmia, when used with amiodarone
- Elevated levels of theophylline, digoxin, ciclosporin, or warfarin
Propafenone Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can arise from the use of propafenone, namely:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Unusual headache, dizziness, or tiredness
- Impaired taste, dry mouth, or loss of appetite
- Blurred vision
- Sleep disturbances or anxiety
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling in the hands and feet
- Fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heart rate
- Infectious diseases, which can be characterized by the appearance of certain symptoms, such as fever, chills, sore throat
- Liver disorders, which can be characterized by the appearance of certain symptoms, jaundice, persistent nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and dark urine
- Very heavy dizziness or fainting
