Get Informed: Rythmol
Active Ingredient(s)
Propafenone
What does it do?
This product is used to treat arrhythmias of the heart. It works by stabilizing the membranes of the heart which then promote healthy heart rhythms.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Jul-31 10:10 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Jul-30 9:03 PM
Other Names
- Rythmol
- Propafenone
- Propafenone HCl
- Propafenone Hydrochloride
- Propafenon
- Rythmex
- Arythmol
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to its potential association with heart attacks.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 27 Nov 1989
- Est US Patients*
- 57,990
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Rythmol or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Rythmol
There have been no iGuard.org alerts regarding Rythmol during the past year.
Rythmol Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Rythmol used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 420 patients that use Rythmol (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Atrial Fibrillation | 95% |
mild
severe
|
| Other | 5% |
mild
severe
|
How well does Rythmol work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 420 users taking Rythmol (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 81%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Rythmol outweigh the bad things.
- 2%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Rythmol.
Common Side Effects of Rythmol
iGuard regularly polls our more than 420 users taking Rythmol (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
40% of patients experience side-effects on Rythmol
6% of patients experience significant side-effects on Rythmol
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Dryness
-
Altered Taste/Smell
-
Fatigue
-
Weight Gain
-
Headache
-
Dizziness
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Breathlessness, Bruising, Constipation, Hair Loss, Itch/Rash, Liver Problems, Memory/Speech Problems, Mouth Sores, Numbness/Tingling, Palpitations, Restlessness, Tinnitus, Vision Changes, Vivid Dreams, Weakness
Global Patient Feedback for Rythmol (Propafenone) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I began taking rythmol SR 225 about 18 months ago for atrial fibrallation. At first it did not work too well as my normal heart rate of 60 was up to 90-100. My cardiologist had me considering ablation, which I was not enthusiastic about. He increased my dosage to 325mg twice daily. Now my heart rate is more normal, back near the 60 rate, but at times drops to low 50's. Not sure if that is significant, although I worry about the long term side effects of any drug.
62 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-10-04 09:20:17
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Rythmol has been on the market since 1989 and many patients have been on it since then. At this time, there are no specific side effects that are tied to long-term use of Rythmol. You should continue to monitor for the common side effects, including change in taste, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, gas, lightheadedness, and tiredness. You should continue to get regular check ups with your cardiologist and report your side effects, and any other concerning symptoms. Make sure your cardiologist knows about your heart rates, especially if they are lower than usual.
Posted: 2009-11-04 11:01:47
Question/Comment:
I changed from amiodarone to propafenone in January. My pulse has been steady at 60/min as it was with amio. I was given a minimum dose 150 once a day and began to get heart skips. The doctor said he's given me the small dose becasue of my age and because he wanted to get the amio out of my system before increasing. I now take 150mg twice a day. And as I say, I'm steady. But still get the old synptoms - dizzy, sick, speech difficlulties etc. I also take 100/day levothyroxine for hypothyroid since september and neither I nor the endocrino can tell which drug is causing this. My thyroid blood tests are normal and my heartlike a rolex. <anyone in the same boat as me?
81 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-21 13:51:46
Question/Comment:
Three months ago my doctor changed my medication from amiodarone which I had been taking for 18 months to propafenone but only at 150 once daily. From my reading this is only one third the normal minimum dose. Can this be effective? I also see that propafenone should not be used where the patient has conduction problems. I haveboth left and right heart block. I still havve seven to ten days a month thoroughly sick, dizzy, fatigue, confusion, speech difficulties. Please advise
80 year old male
81 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-10 23:30:26
Answer/Reply:
I am a 77 old female and have been on 150 propafenone 2x daily, fairly steady heartbeat. Started hair loss about 6 months ago.
Is there a connection?
77 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-12-28 13:14:44
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Alopecia, or hair loss, is reported in less than 1% of iGuard patients taking propafenone. If it is becoming bothersome to you, make an appointment to discuss it with your physician. Your doctor may also want to rule out other causes for your hair loss.
Posted: 2009-12-31 00:37:21
Question/Comment:
i just started taking propafenone(225mg) today. i am concerned about the side effects. i am experiencing a siight headache right now and would like to know if there is anything else i should expect. i am also taking metoprolo(50mg) once a day
64 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-02-25 16:31:08
Question/Comment:
I have been using propafenone for about 2 years, my doctor has increased the dose to 650 mg per day. He did the increase because the lower levels were not working. Is there a max dosage before it does any harm?
53 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2008-12-16 23:45:12
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Clinical trials for Rythmol (Propafenone) have only tested up to 900 mg/day. The usefulness and safety of dosages exceeding 900 mg per day have not been established.
Posted: 2008-12-17 13:22:41
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Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
16
Patient Comments About
Rythmol