Propafenone - Oral

Propafenone is used to treat or prevent certain types of arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heartbeat).

This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Propafenone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Propafenone is available as a conventional tablet or as an extended-release capsule.

If you are taking the conventional tablet, take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet.

If you are taking the extended-release capsule, you may take it with or without food. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the extended-release capsule.

Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of Propafenone will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and your response to the medication.

Propafenone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• recent heart attack (within the last 3 months)
• uncontrolled heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
• cardiogenic shock (a serious sudden condition when the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs of the body)
• 2nd- or 3rd-degree heart block
• severe low blood pressure
• Brugada's syndrome (an inherited disorder characterised by abnormal heart rhythm in the lower chambers of the heart which can lead to fainting, fits or seizures, and difficulty breathing)
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• severe breathing problems
• imbalance of salts in the body e.g. sodium, potassium

as Propafenone may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• implanted with a pacemaker (device implanted in the chest that helps control your heartbeat)
• history of heart failure
• other breathing problems e.g. asthma
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Propafenone the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Individual's genetic traits are unique from each other. Researchers say that certain genetic traits can affect the effectiveness or enhance the side effects of this medicine. Though not routinely done, in some exceptional cases, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart], electrolyte levels, vital signs) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of new or worsened irregular or abnormal heartbeat may also be needed.

Propafenone may cause dizziness, tiredness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, and difficulty sleeping.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• new or worsened irregular or abnormal heartbeat
• chest pain, tightness or pressure; pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back
• fainting, fits or seizures, difficulty breathing

This medicine may cause the level of your white blood cells to drop.

White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, metoprolol
• medicines used to treat depression e.g. desipramine, fluoxetine, venlafaxine
• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• amiodarone (other medicine for irregular heartbeat)
• digoxin (medicine for certain heart problems)
• ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
• theophylline (asthma medicine)
• ketoconazole (medicine used to treat fungal infection)
• cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
• erythromycin (certain antibiotic)
• phenobarbital (medicine for fits or seizures)
• rifampicin (medicine used to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
• ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Propafenone.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.