
(proe paf’ a non)
Apo-Propafenone (CAN), Gen-Propafenone (CAN), Rythmol, Rythmol SRDNC
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Class
Antiarrhythmic
Therapeutic Actions
Class IC antiarrhythmic: Local anesthetic effects with a direct membrane stabilizing action on the myocardial membranes; refractory period is prolonged with a reduction of spontaneous automaticity and depressed trigger activity.
Indications
Treatment of documented life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias; reserve use for those patients in whom the benefits outweigh the risks
NEW INDICATION: Treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia associated with disabling signs and symptoms in patients who do not have structural heart disease
To prolong the time to recurrence of symptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients with structural heart disease (ER capsules)
Unlabeled use: Treatment of supraventricular tachycardias, including atrial fibrillation associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to propafenone, uncontrolled HF, cardiogenic shock, cardiac conduction disturbances
in the absence of an artificial pacemaker, bradycardia, marked hypotension, bronchospastic disorders, manifest electrolyte imbalance, pregnancy (teratogenic in preclinical studies), lactation.
Use cautiously with hepatic, renal impairment; elevated ANA, COPD.
Available Forms
Tablets—150, 225, 300 mg; ER capsulesDNC—225, 325, 425 mg
Dosages
Adults
Adjust on the basis of response and tolerance. Initiate with 150 mg PO every 8 hr (450 mg/day). Dosage may be increased at a minimum of 3- to 4-day intervals to 225 mg PO every 8 hr (675 mg/day) and if necessary, to 300 mg PO every 8 hr (900 mg/day). Do not exceed 900 mg/day. Decrease dosage with significant widening of the QRS complex or with AV block; ER capsules—initially, 225 mg PO every 12 hr titrate at 5-day intervals to maximum 425 mg every 12 hr.

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