Propafenone : Before Using

Propafenone - Systemic

Brand Names

Rythmol Propafenone *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For propafenone, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to propafenone. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Propafenone has not been studied in pregnant women. Although this drug has not been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies, it has been shown to reduce fertility in monkeys, dogs and rabbits. In addition, in rats it causing decreased growth in the infant and deaths of mothers and infants. Before taking propafenone, make sure your family doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding problem

Propafenone passes into breast milk. Because of the potential for problems in the nursing infant, propafenone is generally not recommended in mothers who are breast-feeding.

Use for Children

Propafenone can cause serious side effects in any patient. Therefore, it is especially important that you discuss with the child's family doctor the good that this drug may do as well as the chance of using it.

Elderly care

Many medication have not been studied specifically in elderly people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in adults people or if they cause various side effects or problems in elderly people. There is no special info comparing use of propafenone in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking propafenone it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking either of the following:

Digoxin - Lanoxin
Warfarin - Coumadin Effects of these medication may be increased when using with propafenone

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of propafenone. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Emphysema Propafenone can increase trouble in breathing

Bradycardia - unusually slow heartbeat There is a risk of further decreased heart function

Congestive heart failure or other heart disease
Myasthenia gravis
Severe low blood pressure Propafenone may make these conditions worse

Electrolyte - i.e., potassium disorders Propafenone may worsen heart rhythm problems

Kidney disease
Liver disease Effects of propafenone may be increased because of slower removal from the body

If you have a pacemaker Propafenone may interfere with the pacemaker and require more careful follow-up by the doct