Propafenone

Propafenone is the active substance of an antiarrhythmic drug known commercially as Ritmonorm.

This drug for oral and injectable use is indicated for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, its action decreases the excitability, the speed of conduction of the heart, keeping the beats stable.

Indications of Propafenone

Ventricular arrhythmia; supraventricular arrhythmia.

Price of Propafenone

The 300 mg box of Propafenone containing 20 tablets costs approximately 54 reais and the 300 mg carton containing 30 tablets costs approximately 81 reais.

Side Effects of Propafenone

Vomiting; nausea; dizziness; lupus-like syndrome; swelling; angioneurotic.

Contraindications of Propafenone

Pregnancy Risk C; breast-feeding; non-allergic asthma or bronchospasm such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis (may aggravate); atrioventricular block; sinus bradycardia; cardiogenic shock or severe hypotension (may aggravate); uncontrolled congestive heart failure (may aggravate); sinus node syndrome; electrolyte disturbances (pro-arrhythmic effects of propafenone may be potentiated); pre-existing cardiac (atrioventricular, intraventricular and synchatrial) conduction disorders in patients who do not use pacemakers.

Mode of Use of Propafenone

Oral use

Adults weighing over 70 kg

• Start with 150 mg every 8 hours; if necessary, increase (3 to 4 days after) to 300 mg twice daily (every 12 hours).

Adult dose limit: 900 mg per day.

Patients weighing less than 70 kg

• The daily doses should be reduced.

Elderly or Patients with Severe Cardiac Damage

• They should receive the product in increasing doses during the initial adjustment phase.

Injectable Use

Adults

• Urgency application : 1 to 2 mg per kg of body weight, by direct intravenous route, administered slowly (from 3 to 5 minutes). Use a 2nd dose only after 90 to 120 minutes (by intravenous infusion, for 1 to 3 hours).

Maintenance : 560 mg in 24 hours (70 mg every 3 hours); ceased: use profenanone tablet (300 mg every 12 hours).