Propafenone Hcl

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Propafenone Hcl Prescription Drug Information

Propafenone Hydrochloride (By mouth)
Propafenone Hydrochloride (proe-PA-fen-one hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Propafenone Hcl is a class 1C antiarrhythmic.

Brand Name(s):Rythmol, Rythmol SR
There may be other brand names for Propafenone Hcl.

When Propafenone Hcl Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Propafenone Hcl if you have ever had an allergic reaction to propafenone, or if you have certain heart problems. Your doctor will determine if Propafenone Hcl is right for you.

How to Use Propafenone Hcl:
Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of Propafenone Hcl to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take Propafenone Hcl exactly as your doctor ordered, even if you feel fine.
• You may take Propafenone Hcl with or without food.Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• You may need to carry identification stating that you are using propafenone. Ask your doctor about this.

If a dose of Propafenone Hcl is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you can, unless you are more than 4 hours late.
• If you are more than 4 hours late, skip the missed dose and take your medicine at your usual time.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of Propafenone Hcl:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Propafenone Hcl:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with propafenone. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using, especially lidocaine, ritonavir (Norvir®), quinidine (Cardioquin®, Quinaglute®), or other heart medicine such as amiodarone, Lanoxin®, Cordarone®, or Cardizem®. Tell your doctor if you use a blood thinner such as Coumadin®, or a beta-blocker such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, or Lopressor®, or Tenormin®.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you use arsenic trioxide (Trisenox®), cisapride (Propulsid®), dofetilide (Tikosyn®), or Tagamet®. Tell your doctor if you use certain antibiotics such as erythromycin, levofloxacin, Avelox®, or Zagam®. Your doctor should know if you also use medicine for depression or mental illness, such as Effexor®, Elavil®, Haldol®, Norpramin®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Seroquel®, Compazine®, Geodon®, Mellaril®, Tofranil®, or Zoloft®.

Warnings While Using Propafenone Hcl:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. Tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, you have a pacemaker, you have had a recent heart attack, or you have a family history of "Long-QT" syndrome.
• Do not stop using Propafenone Hcl suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• Propafenone Hcl may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using Propafenone Hcl:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blurred vision.
• Chest pain, or worsening of heart rhythm problem.
• Fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Shortness of breath with cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Propafenone Hcl, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety, dizziness, or hot flashes
• Dry mouth or metallic or bitter taste.
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Trembling or shaking

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Propafenone Hcl, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088