RYTHMOL

Drug Name: RYTHMOL

RYTHMOL DESCRIPTION:
PROPAFENONE - ORAL (pro-puh-FEN-own)

COMMON RYTHMOL BRAND NAME(S):
Rythmol

RYTHMOL SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness or changes in sleep habits may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. Other side effects include muscle aches, sweating, dry mouth, tremors and unusual taste in the mouth. If any of these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, fever, sore throat, chills, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE RYTHMOL:
RYTHMOL: RYTHMOL is sometimes started in the hospital where your dose can be closely checked. It is important to take RYTHMOL exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your dose without your doctor's approval. RYTHMOL works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose exactly as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking RYTHMOL without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

RYTHMOL USES:
RYTHMOL is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate.

RYTHMOL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: heart problems, kidney or liver problems, any allergies you may have. If you are scheduled for dental or medical procedures, inform your doctor/dentist you use RYTHMOL. Elderly persons are more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use this with caution. RYTHMOL should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if RYTHMOL is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

RYTHMOL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: digoxin, beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol), cimetidine, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), quinidine, rifampin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

RYTHMOL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fast heartbeat, decreased sexual ability, seizures, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and metallic taste.

RYTHMOL NOTES:
Your doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take RYTHMOL. Learn how to monitor your pulse. Lab tests will be scheduled periodically to help monitor how effective the medication is. Keep all scheduled appointments and doctor visits.

MISSED RYTHMOL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within 4 hours. If you remember later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

RYTHMOL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.