Brand Name

Rythmol {GlaxoSmithKline}

Generic Name

propafenone, pronounced proe-PA-fen-one

---

Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Rythmol?

Rythmol is a medication that treats certain types of ventricular arrhythmias, or an irregular heartbeat that is life-threatening. You may be prescribed Rythmol to help you to maintain a regular heart rhythm if you have certain types of irregular heartbeat like paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

Rythmol may also be used for reasons not stated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Rythmol

Rythmol is in a class of medications called antiarrhythmics and helps your heart to be stable and have a regulated heartbeat. .

You should not use Rythmol if you are allergic to any ingredient in propafenone.

Do not take Rythmol if you have certain heart conditions like “AV block,” or a history of slow heart beats and you do not have a permanent pacemaker.

If you have congestive heart failure that is uncontrolled, shock from severe heart problems, slow heartbeats, extremely low blood pressure, abnormal blood electrolyte levels or breathing problems like emphysema or asthma you should not take Rythmol.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Rythmol is in FDA pregnancy category C. Rythmol is not known to cause problems in women who are pregnant, but you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant before beginning treatment with Rythmol. You should not breastfeed while taking Rythmol, as we know that Rythmol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Before You Take Rythmol

You should not use Rythmol if you are allergic to any ingredient in propafenone.

If you a heart condition like “AV block” or slow heartbeats you should not take Rythmol

Tell your doctor if you have if you have had abnormal blood test results from an antinuclear antibody, or ANA test.

Talk to your doctor if you have an artificial pacemaker before you begin taking Rythmol.

Rythmol may decrease sperm counts in men. If you are currently trying to father a child and are prescribed Rythmol talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Tell your doctor if you are planning to have surgery, including dental or laser eye surgery, while you are taking Rythmol. Your doctor will advise you of how you should take Rythmol during this time.

Rythmol is intended for adults and should be used in children with extreme caution, as prescribed be your doctor.

Rythmol can impair your thinking or reaction time, so take care to be careful when you are driving or doing anything that requires you to stay alert.

Rythmol Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• antiarrhythmic medications, like amiodarone and quinidine
• antibiotics like erythromycin (EryPed, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin) and tetracycline (Brodspec or Panmycin)
• antidepressants, tricyclic and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine
• antifungal medications like itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• arsenic
• beta-blockers like atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta, Ziac), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), and propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran)
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cataflam, Voltaren)
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
• dolasetron
• diuretics (water pills)
• haloperidol (Haldol)
• heart or blood pressure medications like amlodipine
• Norvasc, Caduet), carvedilol (Coreg), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Diltia, and Tiazac), metoprolol (Dutoprol, Lopressor, and Toprol), nebivolol (Bystolic), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia) and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, and Verelan)
• heart rhythm medications like quinidine (Quin-G)
• HIV or AIDS medications
• lidocaine
• methadone
• narcotic pain medication
• orlistat
• rifampin
• seizure medications
• thioridazine
• tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors like dasatinib
• warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Rythmol. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Rythmol

You should take Rythmol exactly as directed by your doctor. It is important that you do not take Rythmol in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

Rythmol may be taken with or without food.

You should take Rythmol with a full glass of water.

Rythmol should be taken at the same time each day, such as meal times.

You may need to have your blood tested on a regular basis while you are taking Rythmol. Be sure to keep your regular doctor appointments while you are taking Rythmol.

Take care not to consume grapefruit products while you are taking Rythmol, as it can lead to potentially dangerous side effects.

Rythmol can lower your ability to fight infections. Try to stay away from anyone who has an infection or is ill to avoid becoming sick. If you experience any signs of an infection, such as a fever, contact your doctor right away.

Rythmol needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat. Keep your bottle tightly closed when you are not using it.

If you miss a dose of Rythmol you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it almost time for your next scheduled dose wait for your next dose. Do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose of Rythmol.

Rythmol Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Rythmol and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• appetite loss
• bleeding or bruising that is unusual
• blood in your stools, black or tarry stools
• chest pain
• coughing with chest pain, wheezing and coughing up blood
• dizziness that is severe or persistent
• headache that is severe
• hearing problems like ringing in your ears
• heartbeats that have a new or worsening pattern, or are fast, slow or pounding
• feeling faint
• fever with chills and sore throat or other signs of infection
• insomnia
• mental or mood changes
• numbness or weakness, especially on one side of your body
• pain, swelling and redness in your calf or leg
• pain in your back or stomach that is severe
• shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
• slurred speech
• swelling with rapid weight gain
• tingling, numbness, burning or pain in your feet and hands
• tiredness that is extreme with weakness
• tremors
• urinary bleeding (blood in your urine)
• urinary changes, such as a change in the amount of urine or painful urination
• vision problems including blurred vision, vision loss, headache or pain behind your eyes that may include vomiting

Less serious side effects of Rythmol may include:

• change in taste
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• gas
• lightheadedness
• nausea
• tiredness

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Rythmol. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Rythmol Description and Dosing

Rythmol is available as scored round and film-coated tablets in 150 mg and 225 mg strengths.

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Rythmol you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Rythmol

Rythmol is comprised of the main ingredient propafenone hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients are corn starch, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate, povidone, propylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

Back to Top

The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.