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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Antiarrhythmic drugs, including propafenone, may increase the risk of death. Tell your doctor if you have had a heart attack within the past two years.Propafenone should be used only to treat life-threatening arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking propafenone. |
Propafenone is used to treat arrhythmias and to maintain a normal heart rate. It acts on the heart muscle to improve the heart's rhythm.
Propafenone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 8 hours. This medication is sometimes started in the hospital where your response can be monitored. 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.
Propafenone controls irregular heartbeats, but does not cure them. 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.
This medication should not be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking propafenone,
Talk to your doctor about your diet. Foods and salt substitutes containing potassium can affect the action of propafenone.
Take the missed dose if you remember it within 4 hours. If you do not remember it until 4 or more hours after the scheduled time, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Although side effects from propafenone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may want to evaluate the effectiveness of propafenone with physical examinations, EKG (electrocardiogram) tests, and blood tests.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |