Propafenone

In clinical studies, people who had recently had a heart attack and took certain medications for irregular heartbeat that are similar to propafenone were more likely to die than people who did not take one of the medications. Propafenone may also cause life-threatening irregular heartbeat and increase the risk of death in certain patients. Tell your doctor if you have had a heart attack within the past two years or if you have heart disease.

Because of the risks of taking propafenone, it should be used only to treat life-threatening irregular heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking propafenone.

Your doctor may examine you and may order certain lab tests and electrocardiogram (EKG) tests to check your body’s response to propafenone. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?

Propafenone is used to treat arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and to maintain a normal heart rate. Propafenone is in a class of medications called antiarrhythmics. It works by acting on the heart muscle to improve the heart’s rhythm.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Propafenone comes as a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken three times a day, once every 8 hours. The extended-release capsule is usually taken two times a day, once every 12 hours, with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take propafenone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush or open the capsules or divide the contents of a capsule into more than one dose.

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You may begin taking propafenone in a hospital so that your doctor can monitor you carefully as your body gets used to the medication. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of propafenone and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 5 days.

Propafenone may control your irregular heartbeat, but will not cure it. Continue to take propafenone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking propafenone without talking to your doctor. Your heartbeat may become irregular if you suddenly stop taking propafenone.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication should not be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.