RYTHMOL SR (PROPAFENONE)
A Description of Rythmol SR
Rythmol SR (Propafenone) is a sustained release capsule that is used to treat severe heart arrhythmias such as arterial fibrillation (AF) and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Rythmol SR is not a cure for arrhythmias, but it will help to induce a healthy heartbeat rhythm and decrease the number of times you experience arrhythmia. Your doctor will want to monitor your progress with regular blood tests and periodic electrocardiograms (ECG)to see how effective Rhythmol SR is for you.
How This Antiarrhythmic Drug Works
The active ingredient in Rythmol SR is a class C antiarrhythmic medication called Propafenone. When taken as instructed, it will work by blocking the electrical signals which are causing the unusual heart arrhythmias to occur. Blocking the signals can not only help to regulate your heartbeat, it can help you to avoid the formation of blood clots which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
Conditions Treated by Rythmol SR
An arrhythmia occurs when the heart's regular rhythm becomes irregular – it may speed up or slow down. Atrial fibrillation is one type of arrhythmia and is a common heart disorder, one that causes an irregular and/or rapid heartbeat, as well as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and angina. AF is potentially dangerous because blood can pool in the atrium, which increases the risk that a blood clot will form. If this clot travels to the brain, it will cause a stroke.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is another type of heart arrhythmia; in PSVT the heartbeat can suddenly increase and beat up to 220 times per minute. Rythmol SR may be prescribed to prolong the time to recurrence of paroxysmal PSVT associated with disabling symptoms in patients without structural heart disease.
Before You Take Rythmol SR
You may not be able to take Rythmol SR if you have any of the following conditions; very low blood pressure, severe liver failure, myasthenia gravis, breathing disorders such as asthma or COPD, severe electrolyte imbalance.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other drugs, including over-the-counter medications, before you start taking Rythmol SR. Some medications can affect your heart rate and cause unsafe side effects . Ask about the safety of taking Rythmol SR if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding.
Precautions for Rythmol SR
Rythmol SR may cause blurred vision, dizziness and reduced alertness; you should restrict your activities until you know how Rythmol SR will affect you. Medications used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, including Rythmol SR, may cause new abnormal heart rhythms or worsen existing ones. You should not consume any grapefruit products as this can increase the effects of Rythmol
Possible Side Effects of Rythmol SR
- Headache
- Metallic taste
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
You should check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: abnormal muscle control; anxiety; swelling of feet or legs; joint pain; shaking or trembling.
Drugs Similar to Rythmol SR
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