Propafenone

In Aotearoa New Zealand, propafenone comes as tablets (150 mg).

Your healthcare provider will prescribe the right dose of propafenone for you. The dose may need to be adjusted as your symptoms become controlled. Propafenone is usually taken 2 or 3 times a day.

• Always take propafenone exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
• The dose of propafenone will be different for different people.
• You will usually be started on a low dose which will be increased slowly over a few weeks.
• Older adults and people with kidney disease are usually prescribed lower doses to reduce the risk of side effects.

• Timing: Take each dose with a snack or just after eating a meal. Try to take your doses at about the same times each day.
• Take them whole: Swallow the tablets whole with plenty of water. Don't chew or crush the tablet as it has a bitter taste.
• Avoid grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice or foods containing grapefruit while taking propafenone. It can increase the amount of propafenone in your body. Read more about grapefruit and medicines.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.
• Keep taking propafenone regularly: Don’t stop taking propafenone suddenly – this can make your condition worse.

Here are some things to know when you're taking propafenone. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Blood tests and monitoring

Before you start propafenone, you will have a heart test called an ECG. This will usually be repeated after starting the medicine or if the dose is changed, so your healthcare provider can check how your heart is responding to the treatment.

You may also need blood tests and blood pressure checks to monitor for side effects. 

If you're driving, cycling or operating machinery

Propafenone can make you feel drowsy, dizzy or light-headed especially when you first start taking it. Don't drive, cycle or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. See driving and medicines.

Taking other medicines

Propafenone can interact with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting propafenone and before starting any new medicines or products.

Are you pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding?

It's important to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you're trying to get pregnant, are pregnant (hapū) or breastfeeding.

Like all medicines propafenone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Dizziness, tiredness, changes in your vision such as double vision or blurred vision: Don't drive, cycle or use tools or machines until you know how this medicine affects you. To avoid feeling dizzy, get up slowly when standing from sitting or lying down.
• Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick).
• Stomach upset, tummy pain, diarrhoea (runny poo), constipation (poo that's hard to pass).
• Headache.
• Dry mouth, changes in taste.
• Sleep problems, feeling anxious.
• Blurred vision.
• Weakness or tiredness (fatigue).

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Changes in your heartbeat (either fast, slow or irregular).
• Chest pain or tightness.
• You feel short of breath.
• Fainting.
  
  

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.