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What is the most important information I should know about propafenone?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to propafenone, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled congestive heart failure, a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), slow heartbeats or severely low blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance, or a breathing disorder such as asthma.

Before you take propafenone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, lupus, arthritis, myasthenia gravis, or if you have had a heart attack within the past 2 years.

You will need to receive your first few doses of propafenone in a hospital setting in case the medication causes serious side effects. Your heart rate will be constantly monitored using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as weak pulse, slow breathing, feeling like you might pass out, feeling short of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, or seizure.

What is propafenone?

Propafenone is in a group of drugs called Class IC anti-arrhythmics. It affects the way your heart beats.

Propafenone is used in certain situations to prevent serious heart rhythm disorders.

Propafenone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking propafenone?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to propafenone, or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled congestive heart failure;

• a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);

• slow heartbeats or severely low blood pressure;

• an electrolyte imbalance; or

• a breathing disorder such as asthma.

Before using propafenone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• congestive heart failure;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• lupus;

• arthritis;

• myasthenia gravis; or

• if you have had a heart attack within the past 2 years.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Propafenone may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.