Rythmol (Propafenone) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Rythmol

Atrial Fibrillation »

What is atrial fibrillation?

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.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

Normal function of the he...

Read the Atrial Fibrillation article »

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Rythmol Patient Information including How Should I Take

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

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.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take propafenone:

congestive heart failure;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
lupus;
arthritis;
myasthenia gravis; or
if you have had a heart attack within the past 2 years.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether propafenone is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, 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 propafenone (Rythmol)?

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.

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