Propafenone for irregular heartbeats

About propafenone

Propafenone is used to treat arrhythmias. An arrhythmia is an irregularity in your heartbeat, which causes your heart to skip a beat, beat unevenly, or beat very fast or very slowly.

Propafenone works by correcting irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm and by slowing an overactive heart. It will be prescribed for you by a heart specialist doctor.

Before taking propafenone

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking propafenone it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have a pacemaker fitted or if you have any heart problems other than your abnormal heart rhythm. In particular, let your doctor know if you have heart failure.

• If you have any problems with your breathing, such as asthma or lung disease.

• If you have been told you have low blood pressure.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take propafenone

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about propafenone and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Your doctor will tell you what the right dose of propafenone is for you. The dose may need to be adjusted as your symptoms become controlled, so make sure you take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. Propafenone is usually taken two or three times a day, after meals. Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you.

• Try to take your doses around the same times of day, as this will help you to remember to take them regularly.

• The tablet should be swallowed whole with plenty of water - do not chew or crush the tablet as it has a bitter taste. Remember to take each of your doses with a snack or just after eating a meal.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check your heart rhythm and monitor your progress.

• Treatment with propafenone is usually long-term unless you experience an adverse effect. You should continue to take it unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor.

• If you normally drink grapefruit juice regularly, please let your doctor know about this. This is because a chemical in grapefruit juice may increase the amount of propafenone in your bloodstream.

• If you are having an operation or any medical/dental treatment, remember to tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking propafenone. This is because it can interfere with some local anaesthetics and increase the risk of side-effects.

• If you buy any medicines 'over the counter', always check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take alongside your other medicines. A medicine called cimetidine (which is taken to reduce stomach acid) can interfere with propafenone, and some antihistamine medicines are best avoided too.

Can propafenone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with propafenone. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to propafenone, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store propafenone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines