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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, abnormal rhythm of the heart.
The heart contracts (beats) and pumps blood with a regular rhythm, for example,
at a rate of 60 beats per minute there is a beat every second. The heart may
beat faster or slower with a shorter or longer interval between beats, but at
any one rate the interval between beats is constant. This regular rhythm occurs
as a result of regular electrical discharges (currents) that travel through the
heart and cause the muscle of the heart to contract. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical
discharges are irregular and rapid and, as a result, the heart beats irregularly
and, usually, rapidly.
Atrial fibrillation is common; half a million new cases are diagnosed yearly
in the U.S., and billions of dollars are spent annually on its diagnosis and
treatment.
Normal function of the he...
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OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe weakness, fainting, trouble breathing.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Check your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse at home, and share the results with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised November 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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