home > drugs a-z list > rythmol (propafenone) drug center > rythmol (propafenone) drug - patient side effects and images

Recommended Topic Related To:

Rythmol

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...

Rythmol

font size

Rythmol Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Rythmol, Rythmol SR

Generic Name: propafenone (Pronunciation: proe PAF e none)

What is propafenone (Rythmol)?

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.

Proprafenone 150 mg-ETH

round, white, imprinted with ETH, 331

Proprafenone 225 mg-ETH

round, white, imprinted with 332, ETH

Proprafenone 300 mg-ETH

round, white, imprinted with 333, ETH

Rhythmol SR 225 mg

white, imprinted with A225

Rythmol 150 mg

round, white, imprinted with 150 LOGO

Rythmol 225 mg

round, white, imprinted with 225 LOGO

What are the possible side effects of propafenone (Rythmol)?

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:

  • feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
  • swelling, rapid weight gain;
  • slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
  • pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
  • confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
  • seizure.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • dizziness;
  • unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
  • constipation;
  • headache;
  • tired feeling;
  • ringing in your ears;
  • unusual dreams; or
  • 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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about 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.

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.

Related Drug Centers

Rythmol - User Reviews

Rythmol User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Rythmol sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

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.


Heart Health

Get the latest treatment options.