Irregular heartbeat? Things you need to know about Propafenone (SR) capsule

Have you ever felt your heart suddenly beat faster, or skip a beat, or beat in a strange, irregular way? This is something that many people experience. In medical terms, we call this an irregular heartbeat, or 'arrhythmia'. Propafenone is a special medicine that doctors prescribe to control such conditions, especially conditions like `AFib (atrial fibrillation)'. Today, we will talk about this medicine in a simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Propafenone?

Propafenone is a medicine used to prevent and treat heart rhythm disorders, which are conditions in which the heart beats too fast or irregularly. It belongs to a class of drugs called `antiarrhythmics`.

Think of our heart as a small electrical system. When these electrical signals are working correctly and in a regular rhythm, the heart beats properly. But sometimes, due to a defect in this electrical signal system, the signals start to work too fast or in a chaotic manner. That's when the heartbeat becomes irregular. Propafenone works by controlling and regulating some of those overactive electrical signals, bringing the heart back to a stable, correct rhythm.

You may see this medication under a brand name like Rythmol SR.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Propafenone is a medication that should be used with extreme caution. Therefore, it is very important that your doctor gives you a complete picture of your health before prescribing this medication. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.

• Other heart problems: If you have had a heart attack before, have heart failure , have a very slow heartbeat , or use a pacemaker , you should tell your doctor. Also, be aware of special heart conditions such as Brugada syndrome.
• Kidney or liver disease: If you have impaired kidney or liver function, tell your doctor about it, as these organs are responsible for removing medications from the body.
• Respiratory system diseases: If you have any lung-related conditions such as asthma or COPD, also mention that.
• Blood pressure: If you have low blood pressure, your doctor should also be aware of that.
• Blood salt levels: The amount of potassium, magnesium, and sodium in your blood.If your electrolyte levels are low or high, that can also affect this medication. So talk about that too.
• Allergies: If you have an allergy to Propafenone or any other medicine, food, or dye, be sure to tell your doctor.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should definitely talk to your doctor before starting this medication.

How to use this medicine correctly?

The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as the doctor has prescribed it, and at the right time.

• Swallow this capsule whole with a glass of water.
• Most importantly: Do not break, crush, or chew this capsule. This is an 'Extended-Release' (SR) capsule. This means that it is designed to release the medicine into the body gradually. If you break or chew it, the entire dose of medicine can be released into the body at once, which can cause dangerous side effects.
• You can take this before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
• Don't stop taking the medicine until the doctor tells you to.

What to do if the dose increases?

If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is something that should not be delayed.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once, including a missed dose.

Other things that may interact with Propafenone

Other medications you take, and even some foods, can interact with Propafenone and cause problems. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies).

Let's explain this further with the table below.

Things to consider when taking the medicine

You should also think about your safety when taking this medicine.

• Regular medical check-up:Especially in the early stages of starting the medication, your doctor will monitor you. You may need to stay in the hospital before starting this medication. Even after you get used to the medication, go to the clinic on the scheduled dates to see your doctor.
• Dizziness and Attention: This medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting in some people. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
• Changing positions: You may feel dizzy when you suddenly stand up from a sitting position or get out of bed. Therefore, wait a while before getting up from a sitting or lying position.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase the dizziness and fainting mentioned above.
• Surgery: If you are scheduled to have any surgery, be sure to tell the surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking Propafenone.

Side effects of the medicine

Like any medication, Propafenone can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action quickly if necessary.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

How do you store medicine?

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
• Throw away expired medicine.