Propafenone extended-release capsules

What is this medicine?

PROPAFENONE (proe pa FEEN one) is an antiarrhythmic agent. This medicine is used to prevent a type of abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain, palpitations

• fever or chills

• shortness of breath

• swelling of feet or legs

• trembling or shaking

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision

• changes in taste (a metallic or bitter taste)

• constipation or diarrhea

• dry mouth

• headache

• nausea or vomiting

• tiredness or weakness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• arsenic trioxide

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, grepafloxacin, pentamidine, sparfloxacin, troleandomycin

• certain medicines for depression or mental illness like amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, pimozide, sertindole, thioridazine, tricyclic antidepressants, ziprasidone

• certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

• certain medicines for irregular hear beat like dofetilide, dronedarone

• certain medicines for malaria like chloroquine, halofantrine

• cisapride

• droperidol

• levomethadyl

• ranolazine

• ritonavir

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for angina or blood pressure

• certain medicines for asthma or breathing difficulties like formoterol, salmeterol

• certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

• cimetidine

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• diuretics

• local anesthetics

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• rifampin

• theophylline

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease

• high blood levels of potassium

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• lung disease like asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema

• pacemaker

• slow heart rate

• an unusual or allergic reaction to propafenone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored closely when you first begin therapy. Often, this drug is first started in a hospital or other monitored health care setting. Once you are on maintenance therapy, visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because your condition and use of this medicine carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications, and doctor or health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.