Drug NameRythmol SR (Propafenone) Drug UsesThis medication is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate. How to useThis medication is sometimes started in the hospital where your dose can be closely checked. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your dose without your doctor's approval. Take this medication every 12 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the medication whole. Do not chew or crush the capsule. This medication works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose exactly as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Drug Class and MechanismGeneric Rythmol (PROPAFENONE) is a class 1C anti-arrhythmic medicine used to treat an irregular heartbeat and to help maintain a normal heart rhythm in patients without structural heart disease. Missed DoseIf you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within 4 hours. If you remember later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Storage Store at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture . Brief storage between 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Possible Side EffectsNausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness or changes in sleep habits may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. Other side effects include muscle aches, sweating, dry mouth, tremors and unusual taste in the mouth. If any of these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, blurred vision, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, chills. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles/feet, trouble breathing, unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. More InformationYour doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take this medication. Learn how to monitor your pulse. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., EKG, pacemaker testing if applicable) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Keep all scheduled appointments and doctor visits. Warnings/PrecautionsThis medication infrequently produces very serious, new irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients to treat life-threatening irregular heartbeats only. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Before taking Rythmol SR, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: asthma, emphysema/bronchitis along with asthma, certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, heart block or any conduction/sinus node problems, very slow heartbeat), untreated blood mineral imbalance (electrolyte imbalance), very low blood pressure. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver problems. If you have an artificial heart pacemaker, Rythmol SR may alter its function (both sensing and pacing). Consult your doctor for more details. If you are scheduled for dental or medical procedures, inform your doctor/dentist you use this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
What is Rythmol SR (propafenone)?
Propafenone is in a group of drugs called Class IC anti-arrhythmics. It affects the way your heart beats.
Propafenone is used in certain situations to prevent serious heart rhythm disorders.
Propafenone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Rythmol SR (propafenone)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to propafenone, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled congestive heart failure, a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), slow heartbeats or severely low blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance, or a breathing disorder such as asthma.
Before you take propafenone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, lupus, arthritis, myasthenia gravis, or if you have had a heart attack within the past 2 years.
You will need to receive your first few doses of propafenone in a hospital setting in case the medication causes serious side effects. Your heart rate will be constantly monitored using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as weak pulse, slow breathing, feeling like you might pass out, feeling short of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, or seizure.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Rythmol SR (propafenone)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to propafenone, or if you have:
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untreated or uncontrolled congestive heart failure;
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a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
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slow heartbeats or severely low blood pressure;
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an electrolyte imbalance; or
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a breathing disorder such as asthma.
Before using propafenone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Propafenone may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Rythmol SR (propafenone)?
You will need to receive your first few doses of propafenone in a hospital setting in case the medication causes serious side effects. Your heart rate will be constantly monitored using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store propafenone at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, slow heart rate, feeling like you might pass out, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking Rythmol SR (propafenone)?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase your blood levels of propafenone which could lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Rythmol SR (propafenone) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
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swelling, rapid weight gain;
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slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
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pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
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seizure.
Less serious side effects may include:
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dizziness;
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unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
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nausea, vomiting;
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warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
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constipation;
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headache;
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tired feeling;
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ringing in your ears;
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unusual dreams; or
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blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect Rythmol SR (propafenone)?
Many drugs can interact with propafenone. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
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cimetidine (Tagamet),
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digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);
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orlistat (alli, Xenical);
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quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release);
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a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
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an antibiotic such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane);
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an antidepressant such as desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac), imipramine (Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor);
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HIV or AIDS medication such as ritonavir (Norvir) or saquinavir (Invirase);
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another heart rhythm medication such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);
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medicine to treat psychiatric disorders, such as haloperidol (Haldol); or
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a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with propafenone. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about propafenone.
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