Rythmol

Common Name: propafenone

How does Rythmol work?

Propafenone belongs to a group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics. It helps to correct severe, life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, by slowing down the rate of nerve impulses causing the heart to beat, and by making the heart less likely to respond to abnormal impulses. Propafenone may also be used for the treatment of patients with abnormal ventricular heart rhythms when the symptoms are severe. This medication may be used to treat other conditions not listed here. If you have any questions about why you are taking this medicine, please check with your doctor.

How should I use Rythmol?

The recommended starting dose of propafenone for adults is 150 mg taken every eight hours. This dose may be changed by your doctor according to your particular needs. The maximum daily dose is 900 mg per day.Propafenone should be taken with food. It is important not to miss doses of this medicine, and to take it as close to every eight hours as possible. If you do forget a dose and remember within four hours of your missed dose, take it right away. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never double doses. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as age, weight or medical conditions. If the dose of medication that your doctor has prescribed is different from the ones listed here, do not change your dose without checking with your doctor. Keep this medication out of reach of children.

What form(s) does Rythmol come in?

Rythmol® is available in strengths of 150 mg and 300 mg. 150 mg: Each white, film-coated tablet, marked with "150" over a Knoll triangle on one side, contains propafenone 150 mg. 300 mg: Each white, film-coated tablet, embossed with a score on both sides with a Knoll triangle above and "300" below the score on one side, contains propafenone 300 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, macrogol, magnesium stearate, maize starch, methylhydroxy propylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with Rythmol?

Propafenone should not be used by anyone with: an allergy to any of the ingredients of the tablet severe or uncontrolled congestive heart failure certain types of heart rhythm disorders not managed with a pacemaker (i.e., sino-atrial, atrioventricular, and intraventricular disorders of impulse conduction and sinus node dysfunction) cardiogenic shock a very low heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute) very low blood pressure breathing disorders such as asthma severe disorders of electrolyte (e.g., potassium) balance severe liver failure

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Rythmol?

Asthma or bronchitis: Propafenone can worsen breathing problems in people with asthma or bronchitis. Heart rhythm effects (proarrhythmic effects): Propafenone may cause new abnormal heart rhythms or worsen existing ones. It is therefore essential that each person taking propafenone be followed closely to determine whether this drug should be continued. Slow heart rate: Propafenone can further reduce the heart rate in people who already have this problem. Congestive heart failure: People with congestive heart failure should be cautious while taking propafenone, as it may worsen the condition. Kidney disease: Propafenone should be used cautiously by people with kidney disease, and only after consideration of the benefit/risk ratio. Myasthenia Gravis: People with myasthenia gravis should be cautious while taking propafenone, as it could worsen this condition. Pregnancy: Propafenone has not been studied with pregnant women but has been shown to cause birth defects and other problems in some animal studies. Be sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking this medication. Breast-feeding: Propafenone passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, propafenone is not recommended for mothers who are breast-feeding.