Propafenone
About
Propafenone belongs to a group of medicines called anti-arrhythmic agents used to treat irregular heartbeats. Irregular heartbeat is a condition in which your heart beats irregularly, too fast or too slow. Propafenone helps slow the heart rate and prevent arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). It is prescribed for patients with ventricular arrhythmias, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, or flutter.
Propafenone contains propafenone, i.e. anti-arrhythmic agents that help increase the heart's output force and reduce the rate of heart contractions. Propafenone works on the heart muscle directly and increases the force with which the heart muscle contracts with each heartbeat. Therefore, it makes the heart efficient in pumping blood around the body and slows the heartbeat rate.
Propafenone should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare professional only. Some people may experience common side effects like a strange taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, tiredness, and rapid or slow heart rate. Most of these side effects of Propafenone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Propafenone or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Propafenone is not recommended for use in children. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Propafenone. Inform your doctor before taking Propafenone if you have a pacemaker, scheduled operation, or surgery. Do not take Propafenone if you suffer from a heart rhythm disorder known as Brugada syndrome, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disease), hypotension (low blood pressure), or if you are taking a medicine called ritonavir(HIV medication). Do drink grapefruit juice with Propafenone. Do not drive or operate machinery as Propafenone might cause blurred vision, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Take Propafenone with caution if you are elderly (age above 65), have low body weight, or have problems with kidneys or liver.
Uses of Propafenone
Medicinal Benefits
Propafenone is an anti-arrhythmic agent that is used to treat irregular heartbeats. Propafenone works by increasing the force with which the heart muscle contracts with each heartbeat and makes the heart efficient in pumping blood around the body. Thus, slows down the rate at which the heart beats and makes the heart rate normal. Propafenone improves heart failure symptoms such as exercise capacity and reduces the number of hospitalizations.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Propafenone
- Strange taste in the mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Rapid or slow heart rate,
- Diarrhoea,
- Blurred vision
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Pregnant women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Propafenone. Do not take Propafenone if you are a breast-feeding woman. If you are known to be allergic to Propafenone or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid intake of alcohol with Propafenone as it may increase the risk of drowsiness. Propafenone may cause vision problems in some people. Make sure you are not affected before driving. Take Propafenone with caution if you have asthma, have a pacemaker, or suffer from liver/kidney disease. Do not take Ritonavir (HIV medication) while on Propafenone. Do not drink grapefruit juice with Propafenone. Before taking Propafenone, inform your doctor if you are already taking medicines such as antibiotics and antifungal medications (e. g., erythromycin, rifampicin, ketoconazole); medications used to prevent organ transplant rejection (cyclosporin); medications for seizures (phenobarbital ); medicines for asthma (theophylline); medications used to treat stomach ulcers (cimetidine) and medications used to treat depression (e.g. amitriptyline, desipramine, venlafaxine, dothiepin, fluoxetine, paroxetine). Speak to your doctor immediately if you notice swelling in your arms or legs, sudden weight gain, or experience shortness of breath after taking Propafenone.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Propafenone may interact with medicines used to treat and prevent blood clots (apixaban), or medicines used to treat high blood pressure (metoprolol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Propafenone may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake while taking Propafenone.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have an electrolyte imbalance, cardiac dysfunction, liver disease, renal dysfunction, bronchospastic disorder, or proarrhythmic effects, please inform your doctor before taking Propafenone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Propafenone as it may increase drowsiness and reduce the amount of Propafenone in the blood leading to abnormal heart function.
Pregnancy
cautionPropafenone should not be taken until prescribed. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast Feeding
unsafeThe Propafenone is not recommended during breast-feeding.
Driving
unsafePropafenone may cause dizziness, blurred vision in some people. So, make sure you are not affected before driving or operating machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Propafenone with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Propafenone with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafePropafenone is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-salt diet and minimize eating processed foods as they contain more sodium. Try to replace salt with spices or herbs to add flavour to the food.
- Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and keeps blood vessels and the heart in good condition.
- Quit smoking as smoking increases blood pressure and heart rate.
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and low fat or fat-free products.
Special Advise
- Low salt diet and regular exercise are recommended along with Propafenone for effective results.
- Regular electrocardiogram (ECG) should be done to see the effect of Propafenone on your heartbeat.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) is a condition in which your heart beats abnormally, too fast, or too slow. Symptoms of irregular heartbeat include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fast or slow heartbeat. 60 to 100 beats per minute is generally considered a normal heart rate. Pulse indicates your heart rate or the number of times your heart beats in a minute. Normally, the pulse rate increases when you exercise and is slower when you are at rest. Tachycardia means when the heart beats faster than normal, and bradycardia is when the heart beats too slowly. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia, which causes an irregular and fast heartbeat. Your doctor may run certain tests to diagnose if you have an arrhythmia. Treatment to restore a normal heart rhythm may include medicines like Propafenone, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a pacemaker, or surgery.
FAQs
Propafenone contains propafenone, i.e. anti-arrhythmic agents that help increase the heart's output force and reduce the rate of heart contractions. Propafenone works on the heart muscle directly and increases the force with which the heart muscle contracts with each heartbeat. Therefore, it makes the heart efficient in pumping blood around the body and slows the heartbeat rate.
Yes, Propafenone may cause yellow or blurred vision in some people. Therefore, be cautious before driving or using machinery.
No, you are not recommended to take amiodarone with Propafenone as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the levels of Propafenone in the blood resulting in Propafenone toxicity. However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines with Propafenone to adjust the dose appropriately.
You are recommended to avoid taking Propafenone if you have severe heart problems. You had a heart attack within the last 3 months if you suffer from breathing problems (COPD); you suffer from a heart rhythm disorder called Brugada syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or hypotension.
It may take several weeks for Propafenone to show its effect. You are recommended to continue taking Propafenone for as long as your doctor prescribes it and do not stop taking Propafenone suddenly as it may worsen your heart problems. However, if you experience any difficulty while taking Propafenone, please consult your doctor.
Yes, Propafenone may cause diarrhoea as a side effect. However, it is not happening to everyone. You are recommended to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include decreased urination or dark, strong-smelling urine. Also, do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without consulting your doctor. If the condition persists or worsens, please consult your doctor.
