Drug Name

Rythmol SR (Propafenone)

Drug Uses

This medication is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate.

How Taken

This medication is sometimes started in the hospital where your dose can be closely checked. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your dose without your doctor's approval. Take this medication every 12 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the medication whole. Do not chew or crush the capsule. This medication works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose exactly as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Generic Rythmol (PROPAFENONE) 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.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within 4 hours. If you remember later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture . Brief storage between 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

This medication infrequently produces very serious, new irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients to treat life-threatening irregular heartbeats only. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Before taking Rythmol SR, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: asthma, emphysema/bronchitis along with asthma, certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, heart block or any conduction/sinus node problems, very slow heartbeat), untreated blood mineral imbalance (electrolyte imbalance), very low blood pressure. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver problems. If you have an artificial heart pacemaker, Rythmol SR may alter its function (both sensing and pacing). Consult your doctor for more details. If you are scheduled for dental or medical procedures, inform your doctor/dentist you use this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness or changes in sleep habits may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. Other side effects include muscle aches, sweating, dry mouth, tremors and unusual taste in the mouth. If any of these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, blurred vision, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, chills. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles/feet, trouble breathing, unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Your doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take this medication. Learn how to monitor your pulse. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., EKG, pacemaker testing if applicable) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Keep all scheduled appointments and doctor visits.