Request a prescription now

Ingredient Name: PROPAFENONE (proe-pa-FEEN-none)

Drug Manufacturer: QUALITEST

Common Uses: This medicine 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.

Before Using This Medicine: WARNING: This medicine has not been shown to improve the rate of survival in patients with an abnormal heart rhythm. For this reason, this medicine should only be used for certain life-threatening, abnormal heart rhythms. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking other medicines that affect heart rhythm (such as amiodarone, sotalol, or quinidine), pimozide, droperidol, bepridil, cisapride, HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir or saquinavir), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin), telithromycin, quinolone antibiotics (such as levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or sparfloxacin), phenothiazine medicines (such as promethazine), certain medicines for depression (tricyclics such as imipramine or desipramine), or ziprasidone. Contact your doctor for more information. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking arsenic, blood thinners (such as warfarin), beta-blockers (such as propranolol or metoprolol), digoxin, mexiletine, rifampin, cimetidine, cyclosporine, certain medicines for depression (such as venlafaxine, duloxetine, fluoxetine, or citalopram), certain anti-nausea medicines (such as dolasetron or ondansetron), certain anti-fungal medicines (such as ketoconazole), or certain asthma medicines (such as theophylline or aminophylline). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including use of an artificial pacemaker, liver problems, kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have certain types of irregular heartbeat (such as sick sinus node syndrome or atrioventricular block) and you are not using an artificial pacemaker, certain breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema), slow heart rate, very low blood pressure, heart failure (such as congestive heart failure), abnormal electrolyte levels in your blood, or certain shock conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. Take each dose at the same time with respect to meals. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it if you remember within 4 hours of the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE. DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including EKGs, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. EATING GRAPEFRUIT OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while you are taking this medicine may increase the amount of this medicine in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, constipation, gas, tiredness, or change in taste. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, unusual bruising or bleeding, irregular heartbeat, fast or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of the hands or the feet, fever, sore throat, chills, unexplained weakness, muscle weakness, tremor, blurred vision, prolonged diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, or loss of appetite or thirst. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fast or slow heartbeat, decreased sexual ability, seizures, severe dizziness or drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, and metallic taste.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Copyright 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Disclaimer - This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Be sure to contact your physician, pharmacist or other health care provider for more information about this medication. By searching these web site pages, you agree to our terms and conditions of use.