Rythmol

Rythmol

     * Generic Name: propafenone
     * Brand Name: Rythmol


     * What is propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?
     * What are the possible side effects of propafenone (Rythmol,
       Rythmol SR)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?
     * How should I take propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?
     * What should I avoid while taking propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol
       SR)?
     * What other drugs will affect propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?
     * Where can I get more information (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?

What is propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?

   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 purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

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

   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:
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid
       weight gain;
     * headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast
       or pounding heartbeats;
     * sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat,
       mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
     * confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
     * seizure; or
     * slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing
       (breathing may stop).

   Common side effects may include:
     * irregular heartbeats;
     * nausea, vomiting, constipation;
     * headache, dizziness, tired feeling; or
     * unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about propafenone
(Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?

   You should not use this medication 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, a breathing disorder such as asthma, or
   if you have recently had a heart attack.

   Propafenone may cause a new or worsening heartbeat pattern. Call your
   doctor at once if you have a headache and chest pain with severe
   dizziness, fainting, and fast or pounding heartbeats.

   Rythmol Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Heart Disease:The No. 1 Killer in the U.S.

   Heart Disease Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection
   RxList

   Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

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

   You should not use propafenone if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack;
     * a genetic heart condition, especially a certain heart rhythm
       disorder called Brugada syndrome;
     * a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV
       block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
     * severe low blood pressure, or history of slow heart beats that have
       caused you to faint;
     * a severe or uncontrolled electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels
       of potassium in your blood); or
     * a breathing disorder such as severe COPD (chronic
       obstructive pulmonary disease).

   To make sure propafenone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * heart disease or prior heart attack;
     * a breathing disorder;
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * lupus;
     * myasthenia gravis; or
     * if you have ever had an abnormal blood test called Antinuclear
       Antibody Test or ANA.

   It is not known whether propafenone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your
   doctor if you are pregnant.

   This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men.
   Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

   Propafenone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   You may take propafenone with or without food.

   Your heart function may need to be checked with an electrocardiograph
   or ECG (sometimes called an EKG), before and during treatment with
   propafenone.

   You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call
   your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, extreme
   thirst, loss of appetite, or if you are sweating more than
   usual.

   While using propafenone, you may need frequent blood tests.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the
   bottle tightly closed when not in use.

   Rythmol Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Heart Disease:The No. 1 Killer in the U.S.

   Heart Disease Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection
   RxList

   Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

What happens if I miss a dose (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?

   Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with propafenone and
   lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products
   while taking propafenone.

What other drugs will affect propafenone (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?

   Many drugs can interact with propafenone. Not all possible interactions
   are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and
   any you start or stop using, especially:
     * isoniazid;
     * nefazodone;
     * orlistat (alli, Xenical);
     * warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * an antibiotic--ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, enoxacin,
       telithromycin;
     * an antidepressant--bupropion (Wellbutrin), fluoxetine
       (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil);
     * antifungal medicine--itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole,
       voriconazole;
     * heart medication--digoxin, nicardipine, lidocaine,
       quinidine; or
     * antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS--atazanavir,
       boceprevir, cobicistat, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, indinavir,
       nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir.

   This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with
   propafenone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
   vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any
   healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (Rythmol, Rythmol SR)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about propafenone.
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