How does it work?

The heart's pumping action is controlled by electrical signals which pass through the heart muscle, causing contraction of the two pairs of heart chambers (left and right atria and ventricles). Propafenone works by decreasing the sensitivity of heart muscle cells to electrical impulses, therefore slowing the electrical conduction in the heart muscle. This helps to restore disturbances in heart rhythm (arrhythmias), which can seriously undermine the pumping action of the heart and result in inefficient blood circulation around the body. Propafenone also blocks beta receptors in the heart, which causes a decrease in heart rate and helps in the control of arrhythmias.

What is it used for?

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

If you should require local or general anaesthesia, it is important that you inform your anaesthetist you are taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

Heart disease due to or affecting the structure of the heart

Heart failure

People who have an artificial pacemaker

Not to be used in

Abnormal electrical conduction in a chamber (atria) of the heart

Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)

Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation (cardiogenic shock), except when this is due to arrhythmias

Loss of function of a natural pacemaker in the heart (sinus node dysfunction)

Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Uncontrolled heart failure

Uncontrolled salt levels in the blood (uncontrolled electrolyte disturbances)

Very low blood pressure (severe hypotension)

Very slow heart rate (severe bradycardia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The manufacturer states not to use this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding as there is insufficient safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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