Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Propafenone

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Anti-Arrhythmic Agents Rytmonorm Adult, Children

Propafenone - What is it for

This medication is used to suppress and prevent the recurrence of abnormal heart rhythm. It works by slowing an overactive heart and correcting irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm so that the heart works properly to pump blood.

Propafenone - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Propafenone cause?

  • ​Headache, dizziness
    • Try to avoid sudden changes in posture – stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions, and sit or lie down if feeling giddy.
  • Problems with your vision – sudden change (blurring) in eyesight, yellow vision
    • Do not drive or operate tools or heavy machinery if your vision is affected. Your doctor may also recommend an eyesight test to monitor for such side-effects.
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Dry mouth, changes in taste

It is very important that you are on regular follow-up with your doctor to monitor for any possible side-effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any of the following side-effects.
This medication may worsen existing abnormal heart rhythm, or cause new irregular heartbeats. Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm include one or more of the following:

  • Irregular heartbeat e.g. slowed heartbeat or palpitations
  • Severe dizziness or fainting spells
  • Difficulties in breathing or chest pain

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

 

Before taking Propafenone , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
  • You have kidney or liver disease.
  • You have a heart condition known as heart failure, or recently had a heart attack.
  • You have a pacemaker or defibrillator.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Propafenone ?

​Avoid taking grapefruit when you are taking this medication as grapefruit may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.
Some medications may interact with Propafenone and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side-effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

  • Medications for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin)
  • Medications for fungal infections (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole)
  • Medications for viral infections (e.g. Ritonavir)


Consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether your existing medications can be taken together with this medication.

Propafenone - Dosage and How to Use

How should Propafenone be used?

  • ​Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
  • You may take this medication with or without food.
  • The doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition. Do not take this medication more often than directed and do not stop until instructed by your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Propafenone - Handling

How should I handle Propafenone safely?

Propafenone - Storage

How should I store Propafenone ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

​For liquid medicine: Store in the refrigerator between 2-8℃. Do not freeze.

How should I dispose of Propafenone safely?

​For general waste: Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Propafenone - Additional Information

  • Tags: Propafenone
  • Updated on 9/30/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

 

 

Find Your Medicines