Rythmol

This page contains drug information on Rythmol.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Rythmol
the possible side effects of Rythmol
what happens if you miss a dose of Rythmol
what happens if you overdose with Rythmol
the most important information about Rythmol
how to use Rythmol
other drugs that may affect Rythmol
what to avoid while using Rythmol
 
Generic Name: propafenone (proe PAH feh known)
Brand Names: Rythmol, Rythmol SR
 
What is the most important information I should know about rythmol?
 •  In some cases, rythmol has been associated with the development of new or worsening irregular heartbeats. Discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor.
 •  Contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, chest discomfort, worsening irregular heartbeats, blurred or irregular vision, a fever, a sore throat, an infection, or unusual bruising or bleeding. These may be early signs of serious side effects.
 •  Do not skip doses, change your dosing schedule, or stop taking rythmol without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition worse.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. rythmol may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.

What is rythmol?
 •  rythmol is an antiarrhythmic. rythmol affects heart beat rhythm.
 •  rythmol is used to treat irregular heartbeats.
 •  rythmol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rythmol?
 •  In some cases, rythmol has been associated with the development of new or worsening irregular heartbeats. Discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor.
 •  Before taking rythmol, tell your doctor if you have
      · any other heart disease, heart problems, or a pacemaker
      · asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other breathing disorder
      · liver disease
      · kidney disease or
      · myasthenia gravis.
 •  You may not be able to take rythmol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment, if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  Contact your healthcare provider during treatment with rythmol if you experience excessive or prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or loss of appetite or thirst. These conditions may cause dehydration and/ or a change in electrolyte balance in the body, and treatment with rythmol may need to be evaluated.
 •  rythmol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether rythmol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take rythmol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  rythmol passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take rythmol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take rythmol?
 •  Take rythmol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  rythmol can be taken with or without food.
 •  Do not crush, chew, or break the Rythmol SR capsules. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
 •  Do not skip doses, change your dosing schedule, or stop taking rythmol without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition worse.
 •  Contact your healthcare provider during treatment with rythmol if you experience excessive or prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or loss of appetite or thirst. These conditions may cause dehydration and/ or a change in electrolyte balance in the body, and treatment with rythmol may need to be evaluated.
 •  Store rythmol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  It is important to not miss doses of this medication. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
 •  Symptoms of a rythmol overdose include tiredness, dizziness, fainting, confusion, slow heart beats, seizures, and a worsening irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking rythmol?
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. rythmol may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of rythmol?
 •  Contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, chest discomfort, worsening irregular heartbeats, blurred or irregular vision, a fever, a sore throat, an infection, or unusual bruising or bleeding. These may be early signs of serious side effects.
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking rythmol and seek emergency medical attention:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · new or worsening irregular heartbeats
      · chest pain or chest discomfort
      · shortness of breath
      · swelling of the legs or ankles
      · unusual bruising or bleeding or
      · fever, sore throat, sore mouth, mouth ulcers, or an infection.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take rythmol and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · dizziness or tiredness
      · upset stomach, vomiting, decreased appetite, or constipation
      · headache or blurred vision or
      · changes in taste.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect rythmol?
 •  Before taking rythmol, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
      · a beta-blocker such as acebutolol (Sectral), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), betaxolol (Kerlone), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), or pindolol (Visken)
      · a barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital (Nembutal), or secobarbital (Seconal)
      · a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others
      · a local anesthetic (used to cause numbness before procedures such as surgery or dental work)
      · an HIV protease inhibitor such as ritonavir (Norvir), nelfinavir (Viracept), indinavir (Crixivan), and others
      · digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
      · cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
      · rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin)
      · cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
      · quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex)
      · warfarin (Coumadin)
      · theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others)
      · sparfloxacin (Zagam) or
      · tolterodine (Detrol, Detrol LA).
 •  You may not be able to take rythmol, or you may require a dosage adjustment special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with rythmol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.