Rythmol SR (Propafenone Hcl)

Do’s

• Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting the medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider.
• The dosage of Rythmol SR is determined based on your medical condition and your response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate dose for you.
• Rythmol SR should be taken orally by mouth, either with or without food. It is usually taken every 12 hours. Swallow the capsules whole.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, try taking it at the same times each day.
• If your condition does not improve or if it worsens, make sure to inform your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew the capsules, as doing so can release all of the drug at once, which may increase the risk of side effects.
• While using Rythmol SR, avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice unless your healthcare provider says it is safe to do so. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. 

Common Side Effects:

• Constipation
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Nausea
• Dysgeusia (unpleasant taste)
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Metallic/salty or unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under the skin)
• Ringing in the ears
• Unusual dreams
• Blurred vision

Inform your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience while taking Rythmol SR. They can provide guidance on managing these side effects and determine if any adjustments to your treatment are necessary.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and other side effects may occur. If you have concerns about specific side effects or need more information, consult with your healthcare provider.

Do not use Rythmol SR if you have 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 SR can cause or worsen heart rhythm problems, including potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Your healthcare provider will check for these problems using an electrocardiogram (ECG) before and periodically during treatment.

Rythmol SR may interact with other medications, including CYP2D6 inhibitors and CYP3A4 inhibitors. Simultaneous use of Rythmol SR with both a CYP2D6 inhibitor and a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be avoided.

Inform your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, loss of appetite, or thirst that are severe. These symptoms may be a sign of abnormal electrolyte levels in your blood.

While most people on Rythmol SR who develop an abnormal ANA test during treatment do not have symptoms of autoimmune disease, there have been reports of propafenone (the active ingredient in Rythmol SR) causing lupus. If you experience any symptoms of autoimmune disease, consult your healthcare provider.

If you have had a heart attack in the past two years, let your healthcare provider know before taking Rythmol SR, as the use of antiarrhythmic medications similar to Rythmol SR after a heart attack has been associated with a higher risk of death and potential heart stoppage.

Discuss your medical history, current medications, and any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting Rythmol SR.