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Propafenone |
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What is Propafenone and why is it prescribed? Propafenone is used to help correct certain life-threatening heartbeat irregularities (ventricular arrhythmias). There is a possibility that Propafenone may cause new heartbeat irregularities or make the existing ones worse. Propafenone is therefore used only for serious problems, and should be accompanied by periodic electrocardiograms (EKGs) prior to and during treatment. Discuss this with your doctor. How should you take Propafenone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Propafenone. Propafenone may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Take Propafenone exactly as prescribed. It works best when there is a constant amount of the drug in the blood, so you should take it at evenly spaced intervals. If you miss a dose, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, take the forgotten dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose or more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take a double dose. Keep Propafenone in the container it came in, tightly closed, away from direct light, at room temperature. Are there any Propafenone side effects? Propafenone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most common Propafenone side effects affect the digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. The most serious are heartbeat abnormalities. More common Propafenone side effects may include constipation, dizziness, heartbeat abnormalities, nausea, unusual taste in the mouth, and vomiting. Other Propafenone side effects may include abdominal pain or cramps, anemia, angina, anxiety, blood disorders, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, bruising, cardiac arrest, coma, confusion, congestive heart failure, depression, diarrhea, dreaming abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, eye irritation, fainting or near fainting, fatigue, fever, flushing, gas, hair loss, headache, heart palpitations, heartbeat abnormalities, hot flashes, impotence, increased blood sugar, indigestion, inflamed esophagus, stomach, or intestines, insomnia, itching, joint pain, kidney disease, kidney failure, lack of coordination, liver dysfunction, loss of appetite, loss of balance, low blood pressure, memory loss, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, numbness, pain, psychosis, rash, red or purple spots on the skin, ringing in the ears, seizures, speech abnormalities, sweating, swelling due to fluid retention, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, unusual smell sensations, vertigo, vision abnormalities, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Propafenone? If Propafenone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Propafenone with Beta blockers (such as Inderal and Lopressor), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Local anesthetics (such as Novocain used during dental work), Quinidine (Cardioquin), Rifampin (Rifadin), Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Uni-Dur), or Warfarin (blood thinners such as Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Propafenone? If you have congestive heart failure, this condition must be brought under full medical control before you start taking Propafenone. If you have a pacemaker, the pacemaker's settings must be monitored, and possibly reprogrammed, while you are taking Propafenone. There is some risk that Propafenone may interfere with your body's normal ability to manufacture blood cells. Too few white blood cells may cause signs and symptoms that mimic infection. If you experience fever, chills, or sore throat while taking Propafenone, especially during the first 3 months of treatment, notify your doctor right away. Propafenone may cause a lupus-like illness characterized by rashes and arthritic symptoms. If you have been taking Propafenone and testing shows that your blood contains ANA (antinuclear antibodies), your doctor may want to discontinue the medication. |
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