Propafenona

Propafenona Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Propafenona is a brand name. Its generic name is Propafenone.

Introduction

Propafenona is a class 1 antiarrhythmic drug commonly used to treat abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It belongs to the Na+/K+-ATPase inhibiting drug class and is considered to be a Type 1A antiarrhythmic drug.

Uses

Propafenona is used in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms caused by certain types of heart diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It is also used to slow the progression of atrial fibrillation, and can be used along with other drugs to treat atrial flutter.

Mechanism of Action

Propafenona works by blocking sodium channels and inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase transport system. This reduces the action potential duration and repolarization time in cardiac muscle cells, decreasing the rate of depolarization and thus slowing the heart rate.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Propafenona starts to work within minutes of taking it and its effects last up to 12 hours. Its effects, however, depend on the dose that the patient is taking, as well as the underlying medical condition.

Absorption

Propafenona is readily and quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally. Its maximum concentration in the bloodstream is reached about one to three hours after ingestion.

Route of Elimination

Propafenona is mainly eliminated through the kidneys. Because it is eliminated mainly by renal excretion, its elimination half-life in patients with renal impairment may be prolonged.

Dosage

Propafenona is usually taken orally three times per day. The recommended starting dose is 150-300 mg once per day, taken with or without food. The maximum daily dose is 900 mg per day. Patients with atrial fibrillation should take Propafenona twice daily (150-300 mg twice daily) while patients with ventricular arrhythmias should take it three times a day (300 mg three times daily). Always take Propafenona exactly as prescribed by your doctor and never take more or less than what is prescribed.

Administration

Propafenona can be taken with or without food. It should be taken with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Swallow the tablets whole because breaking them may increase the dose released at one time too much, leading to unwanted side-effects. It is important to take Propafenona at the same time every day in order to maintain an even level of the drug in your bloodstream.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects of Propafenona include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, blurred vision, headache and sleepiness. More serious side effects include chest pain, fainting, labored breathing, irregular heartbeat, yellowing of the skin or eyes and swelling of the face, tongue or throat. Less common side effects include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, itching, swelling of the face or body and difficulty swallowing.

Toxicity

Propafenona is generally tolerated well. Signs of overdose include slow heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, labored breathing and seizures.

Precautions

Before taking Propafenona, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant. Propafenona can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery or performing other activities that require alertness while taking this drug. You also should not take Propafenona if you have certain medical conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, a slow heartbeat, a history of stroke or head injury, low blood pressure, low potassium levels or a history of long QT syndrome.

Interactions

Propafenona may interact with other medications, such as anticoagulants, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, MAO inhibitors and other antiarrhythmic drugs. It also may interact with certain herbs and dietary supplements such as ginseng, feverfew, garlic, ginger, gingko, vitamin E and phosphorus. Before taking Propafenona, make sure to tell your doctor all of the medications and supplements you are taking.

Disease Interaction

Propafenona may interact with some conditions such as history of heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, slow heartbeat, long QT syndrome, low potassium level, and low blood sugar.

Drug Interaction

Propafenona may interact with other medications, such as anticoagulants, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, MAO inhibitors and other antiarrhythmic drugs. It also may interact with certain herbs and dietary supplements such as ginseng, feverfew, garlic, ginger, gingko, vitamin E and phosphorus.

Food Interaction

Propafenona may interact with certain foods and beverages, such as grapefruit juice, alcoholic beverages and foods high in potassium (e.g., bananas, potatoes, spinach).

Pregnancy Use

Propafenona is not recommended for use in pregnant women. It can pose risks to a developing fetus, so it should not be taken during pregnancy unless it's absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor.

Lactation Use

Propafenona passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Therefore, it is not recommended for nursing mothers.

Acute Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose may include slow heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, labored breathing and seizures.

Contraindication

Propafenona is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug, history of slow heartbeat, heart failure, liver disease, low potassium levels, low blood sugar, a history of stroke or head injury or a known long QT syndrome.

Use Direction

Propafenona should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken orally three times per day, with or without food. The recommended starting dose is 150-300 mg once per day, and the maximum daily dose is 900 mg per day.

Storage Condition

Store Propafenona at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep the medication in its original packaging until it is time to use it.

Volume of Distribution

Propafenona has a volume of distribution of about 4.2 L/kg in healthy adults.

Half Life

The elimination half-life of Propafenona is approximately 9 hours, and its pharmacokinetics are not affected by age or body weight.

Clearance

Propafenona is eliminated mainly through the kidneys. Its clearance is about 4.5 L/h and its unbound fraction is about 39%.

Here you find in details version of Propafenona

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Propafenona

What is Propafenona?

Propafenona is a class Ic antiarrhythmic drug used to treat ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.

Who is Propafenona for?

Propafenona is used to treat arrhythmia in adults. People at risk of developing certain types of serious and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias may be prescribed Propafenona.

How does Propafenona work?

Propafenona works by blocking certain sodium channels in the heart cells. This reduces their excitability, and helps prevent irregular electrical signals, known as arrhythmias.

How is Propafenona taken?

Propafenona is usually taken two or three times a day. The medication should be taken with food to reduce its side effects.

What are the benefits of Propafenona?

Propafenona is an effective treatment for arrhythmia. It has few side effects and can help to reduce the symptoms of arrhythmia such as palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

What are the possible side effects of Propafenona?

Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and vision problems. You should contact your doctor if you experience any severe side effects.

Is Propafenona safe to take?

Propafenona is generally safe to take if you follow the instructions of your doctor. However, it may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can Propafenona be used to treat atrial fibrillation?

Yes, Propafenona can be used to treat atrial fibrillation. It can also be used to treat other types of arrhythmia, such as ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia.

Does Propafenona interact with any other drugs?

Yes, Propafenona can interact with other drugs and can cause serious side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before taking Propafenona.

Can Propafenona treat an atrial flutter?

Yes, Propafenona can be used to treat an atrial flutter. It can also be used to treat other arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia.

How long does Propafenona take to work?

Propafenona generally takes about 1 to 2 hours to start working, however it can take longer in some cases. It should be taken regularly in order to be effective.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Propafenona?

If you miss a dose of Propafenona, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Can I take Propafenona while pregnant?

No, Propafenona isn’t recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking Propafenona.

Should Propafenona be taken with food?

Yes, Propafenona should be taken with food. Eating food helps reduce the side effects of the medication.

Is Propafenona available over the counter?

No, Propafenona is only available through a prescription from your doctor. It is important to use Propafenona as directed by your doctor.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Propafenona?

No, it is not advised to consume alcohol while taking Propafenona. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of adverse reactions and decrease the effectiveness of Propafenona.

What should I do if I experience side effects to Propafenona?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any side effects while taking Propafenona. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative medication.

What is the usual dosage for Propafenona?

The typical dosage of Propafenona is 150-300 mg two or three times a day. Your doctor will adjust your dosage depending on your condition and response to treatment.

Can Propafenona cause a cough?

Yes, Propafenona may cause a dry or productive cough. If you experience a cough while taking Propafenona, contact your doctor.

Can Propafenona be used in children?

No, Propafenona is not approved for use in children. Other medications may be more suitable for younger patients.

Can Propafenona be used to treat atrial flutter?

Yes, Propafenona is approved to treat atrial flutter and other arrhythmias.

Can I take Propafenona with other medications?

Yes, Propafenona can be taken with other medications. However, you should tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before taking Propafenona.

Can I take Propafenona if I have heart failure?

Yes, Propafenona can be used to treat arrhythmias in people with heart failure. However, it is important to speak to your doctor about your condition before taking Propafenona.

What other drugs are similar to Propafenona?

There are other class Ic antiarrhythmic drugs similar to Propafenona, such as Flecainide, Sotalol, and Propoxyphene. Your doctor will determine the best medication for you.

Can Propafenona cause dizziness?

Yes, Propafenona can cause dizziness in some people. You should contact your doctor if you experience any side effects while taking Propafenona.

Can I take Propafenona if I have diabetes?

Yes, Propafenona can be taken by people with diabetes. However, you should tell your doctor if you have diabetes before taking Propafenona.

Can I take Propafenona if I have liver problems?

No, Propafenona isn’t recommended for people with liver problems. Your doctor may be able to recommend an alternative medication.

Can Propafenona cause high blood pressure?

No, Propafenona is not known to cause high blood pressure, but it can worsen existing high blood pressure. It is best to monitor your blood pressure regularly after taking Propafenona.

Can Propafenona be used to treat ventricular tachycardia?

Yes, Propafenona is approved to treat ventricular tachycardia and other arrhythmias.

Does Propafenona cause weight gain?

No, Propafenona is not known to cause weight gain. However, it may cause other side effects such as drowsiness, headache, and nausea.

What is the difference between Propafenona and Sotalol?

Propafenona and Sotalol are both class Ic antiarrhythmic drugs used to treat arrhythmia. However, Sotalol has fewer side effects and is generally better tolerated than Propafenona.

Can Propafenona cause low blood pressure?

Yes, Propafenona can cause low blood pressure. If you experience any symptoms of low blood pressure such as light-headedness or dizziness, contact your doctor.

Can Propafenona cause hair loss?

Yes, Propafenona may cause hair loss in some people. If you experience hair loss while taking Propafenona, contact your doctor.

Is Propafenona used to treat atrial fibrillation?

Yes, Propafenona is used to treat atrial fibrillation as well as other arrhythmias.

Can Propafenona be taken with other heart medications?

Yes, Propafenona can be taken with other heart medications. However, it's important to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before taking Propafenona.

Can Propafenona cause constipation?

Yes, Propafenona can cause constipation. If you experience constipation while taking Propafenona, contact your doctor.

Is Propafenona safe to take with thyroid medication?

Yes, Propafenona can be taken with thyroid medication. However, it's important to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before taking Propafenona.

Can Propafenona be used to treat supraventricular tachycardia?

Yes, Propafenona is approved to treat supraventricular tachycardia and other arrhythmias.

Can Propafenona cause depression?

Yes, Propafenona may cause depression in some people. If you experience depression while taking Propafenona, contact your doctor.

Can Propafenona be used to treat ventricular fibrillation?

Yes, Propafenona is approved to treat ventricular fibrillation and other arrhythmias.

Is Propafenona available as a generic drug?

Yes, Propafenona is available as a generic drug. It is generally less expensive than the brand name version.

Does Propafenona have any drug interactions?

Yes, Propafenona can interact with other drugs and can cause serious side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before taking Propafenona.

Can Propafenona be used to treat Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?

Yes, Propafenona is approved to treat Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and other arrhythmias.

Can Propafenona cause impotence?

Yes, Propafenona may cause impotence in some people. If you experience impotence while taking Propafenona, contact your doctor.