Generic Rythmol, tablets

Chemical Name: PROPAFENONE

Common uses

This medicine is a class 1c anti-arrhythmic medicine used to treat an irregular heartbeat and to help maintain a normal heart rhythm in patients without structural heart disease.

Before using

Warning: propafenone has not been shown to improve the rate of survival in patients with an abnormal heart rhythm. For this reason, this medicine should only be used for certain life-threatening, abnormal heart rhythms. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking other medicines that affect heart rhythm such as amiodarone or sotalol, droperidol, hiv protease inhibitors such as ritonavir or lopinavir, or quinolone antibiotics such as grepafloxacin or sparfloxacin. Contact your dcotor for more information. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking digoxin, rifampin, or ziprasidone. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have certain breathing problems such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, structural heart problems or damage, slow heart rate, a pacemaker, very low blood pressure, heart failure, congestive heart failure, abnormal electrolyte levels in your blood, or certain shock conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with food or milk. Take each dose at the same time with respect to meals.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it if you remember within 4 hours of the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests, such as ekgs, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms associated with an imbalance of the electrolytes in your body. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include prolonged diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, loss of appetite, or thirst.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, constipation, gas, tiredness, muscle weakness, or change in taste. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, unusual bruising or bleeding, irregular heartbeat, fast or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, chills, unexplained weakness, or blurred vision. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fast or slow heartbeat, decreased sexual ability, seizures, severe dizziness or drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, and metallic taste.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.