Details

Propafenone is in a group of drugs called Class IC anti-arrhythmics. It affects the way your heart beats. Propafenone is used in certain situations to prevent serious heart rhythm disorders. Propafenone may cause a new or worsening heartbeat pattern. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to propafenone, or if you have heart failure a genetic heart condition, especially a certain heart rhythm disorder called Brugada syndrome a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker) severe low blood pressure, or history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint a severe or uncontrolled electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood) or a breathing disorder such as severe COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This medication may affect fertility in men.

Typical Uses

Propafenone is used to treat certain types of serious (possibly fatal) irregular heartbeat (such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation). It is used to restore normal heart rhythm and maintain a regular, steady heartbeat. Propafenone is known as an anti-arrhythmic drug. It works by blocking the activity of certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. Treating an irregular heartbeat can decrease the risk for blood clots, and this effect can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Side Effects

Common propafenone side effects may include shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing confusion, unusual thoughts or behaviour seizure or slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).

Drug Interactions

• Propafenone+amiodarone- Talk to your doctor before using propafenone together with amiodarone. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, or fast or pounding heartbeats during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone.
• Propafenone+bepridil- Talk to your doctor before using propafenone together with bepridil. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, or fast or pounding heartbeats during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone.
• Propafenone+dolasetron- Talk to your doctor before using dolasetron together with propafenone. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use both medications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat during treatment with these drugs, whether together or alone.
• Propafenone+gatifloxacin- Using gatifloxacin together with propafenone can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

Mechanism of action

Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic drug that belongs to a group of medicines called sodium channel blockers. It works by acting on the heart muscle to improve heart's rhythm.

Pregnancy Category : C