Rythmol (Propafenone)
Rythmol (Propafenone) Dosage and Side Effects
RYTHMOL is used to control certain types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
Proper Use of this medication
Usual dose:
Dosage must be individualized. The usual adult dose of RYTHMOL is 150 mg which is to be taken every 8 hours, however your doctor may decide on different individual dosing.
The film-coated tablets should be swallowed whole (without chewing) with liquid. Recommended to be taken with food.
Overdose:
If you or someone you know accidentally takes more than stated dose, contact your doctor or Regional Poison Control Centre immediately or go to the nearest hospital with the tablets. Tell your doctor or hospital how much was taken. Treat even small overdoses seriously.
Missed dose:
If you forget to take one tablet, take another as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is, do not take the missed tablet at all.
Never double-up on a missed dose.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. These are referred to as “side effects”. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
The most common side effects with RYTHMOL are dizziness, feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, unusual taste, constipation. Other less common side effects may include headaches, blurred vision, difficulty in sleeping, tremor, drowsiness, dyspepsia, dry mouth, loss of appetite, abdominal pain/cramping, flatulence, tiredness, skin rash, weakness, chest pain, anxiety, severe sweating and pain in the joints.
Warnings and Precautions
Serious Warnings and Precautions
RYTHMOL is intended for use only in patients with life-threatening irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Most anti-arrhythmic drugs have the potential to cause dangerous arrhythmias; some have been shown to be associated with an increase of sudden death. Your doctor will tell you about the risk and benefits of anti-arrhythmic therapy.
BEFORE you use RYTHMOL talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- you have a family history of sudden cardiac death or suffer from Brugada Syndrome;
- you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding;
- you have any heart disease;
- you have abnormal blood cell counts;
- you have abnormal liver function;
- you have neuromuscular disease (e.g. myasthenia gravis);
- you have kidney disease;
- you have allergies to this drug or any of its ingredients.
- you perform tasks which require special attention (for example, driving automobile or operating dangerous machinery) because blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue and low blood pressure are common side effects associated with the administration of RYTHMOL.
Interactions with this medication
Drugs that may interact with RYTHMOL include:
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beta-blockers (e.g. propanolol, metoprolol);
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digoxin, venlafaxine, rifampin, cimetidine, quinidine, ketoconazole, erythromycin, amiodarone, phenobarbital;
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anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin);
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certain local anesthetics (e.g. lidocaine);
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certain antidepressants of the tricyclic group (e.g. desipramine), and other antidepressants (e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine);
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some medication that can affect your immune system (e.g. cyclopsorine);
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some HIV-antiviral medication (e.g. ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir);
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grapefruit juice.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.