Rythmol ER (Propafenone ER)

Do’s

• If available, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting Rythmol ER and each time you get a refill.
• Take Rythmol ER by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider. The usual dosing frequency is every 12 hours. Swallow the capsules whole.
• The dosage of Rythmol ER is determined by your medical condition and your response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate dose for you. Follow their instructions carefully.
• To derive the most benefit from Rythmol ER, take it regularly at the same times each day. This will help you remember to take your medication consistently and maintain a stable level of the drug in your body.
• If your condition does not improve or worsens while taking Rythmol ER, inform your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew the capsules, doing so can lead to the release of the entire dose at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using Rythmol ER, unless your healthcare provider says it is safe to do so. Grapefruit can interact with the medication and increase the chance of side effects. 

• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Trouble catching your breath
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Fluttering in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden dizziness

If you experience any of these side effects or any other unusual symptoms while taking Rythmol ER, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For a comprehensive understanding of the potential side effects, consult the patient information leaflet provided with the medication or consult your healthcare provider.

Rythmol ER may cause a new or worsening heartbeat pattern. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness.

Do not use Rythmol ER if you have certain conditions, including heart failure, Brugada syndrome, sick sinus syndrome, AV block (without a pacemaker), severe low blood pressure, very slow heartbeats, a severe electrolyte imbalance, shortness of breath, or if you recently had a heart attack.

Rythmol ER may interact with other medications, including amiodarone, dofetilide, flecainide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin), and certain quinolone antibiotics (such as sparfloxacin), among others. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking.

The clearance of propafenone (the active ingredient in Rythmol ER) from the body can vary based on genetic factors. Some individuals may clear the medication more slowly, which can affect the duration of its effects. If you have any concerns, consult your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider may perform an ECG before and periodically during treatment with Rythmol ER to monitor for any heart rhythm problems.

Drugs that inhibit CYP2D6 (such as desipramine, paroxetine, ritonavir, sertraline) and CYP3A4 (such as ketoconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, erythromycin, grapefruit juice) can increase the concentration of propafenone in the body and potentially increase the risk of adverse reactions. Avoid simultaneous use of Rythmol ER with both a CYP2D6 inhibitor and a CYP3A4 inhibitor.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions. For a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and precautions associated with Rythmol ER, consult the patient information leaflet provided with the medication or speak to your healthcare provider.