Propafenone

Generic Name: propafenone

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Propafenone Hydrochloride

11 DESCRIPTION Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules, USP is an antiarrhythmic drug supplied in extended-release capsules of 225, 325 and 425 mg for oral administration. Chemically, propafenone hydrochloride is 2′-[2-hydroxy-3-(propylamino)propoxy]-3-phenylpropiophenone hydrochloride, with a molecular weight of 377.92. The molecular formula is C 21 H 27 NO 3 •HCl. Propafenone HCl has some structural similarities to beta-blocking agents.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules, USP is an antiarrhythmic drug supplied in extended-release capsules of 225, 325 and 425 mg for oral administration. Chemically, propafenone hydrochloride is 2′-[2-hydroxy-3-(propylamino)propoxy]-3-phenylpropiophenone hydrochloride, with a molecular weight of 377.92. The molecular formula is C 21 H 27 NO 3 •HCl. Propafenone HCl has some structural similarities to beta-blocking agents.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules is indicated to prolong the time to recurrence of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with episodic (most likely paroxysmal or persistent) AF who do not have structural heart disease. Usage Considerations: The use of propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules in patients with permanent AF or in patients exclusively with atrial flutter or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) has not been evaluated. Do not use propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules to control ventricular rate during AF. Some patients with atrial flutter treated with propafenone have developed 1:1 conduction, producing an increase in ventricular rate.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules can be taken with or without food. Do not crush or further divide the contents of the capsule. The dose of propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules must be individually titrated on the basis of response and tolerance. Initiate therapy with propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules 225 mg given every 12 hours. Dosage may be increased at a minimum of 5-day intervals to 325 mg given every 12 hours. If additional therapeutic effect is needed, the dose of propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules may be increased to 425 mg given every 12 hours.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most commonly reported adverse events with propafenone (greater than 5% and greater than placebo) excluding those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug included the following: dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, dyspnea, taste disturbance, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, constipation, upper respiratory tract infection, edema, and influenza. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Vitruvias Therapeutics at 1-844-451-5944 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Inhibitors of CYP2D6, 1A2, and 3A4 may increase propafenone levels which may lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Simultaneous use with both a CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitor (or in patients with CYP2D6 deficiency) should be avoided. (7.1) Propafenone may increase digoxin or warfarin levels. (7.2, 7.3) Orlistat may reduce propafenone concentrations. Abrupt cessation of orlistat in patients stable on propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules has resulted in convulsions, atrioventricular block, and circulatory failure. (7.4) Concomitant use of lidocaine may increase central nervous system side effects.

Warnings

WARNING: MORTALITY •In the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST), a long-term, multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial in patients with asymptomatic non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias who had a myocardial infarction more than 6 days but less than 2 years previously, an increased rate of death or reversed cardiac arrest rate (7.7%; 56/730) was seen in patients treated with encainide or flecainide (Class IC antiarrhythmics) compared w... 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS May cause new or worsened arrhythmias. Evaluate patients via ECG prior to and during therapy. (5.1) Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules may unmask Brugada or Brugada-like Syndrome. Evaluate patients via ECG after initiation of therapy. (4, 5.2) Avoid use with other antiarrhythmic agents or drugs that prolong the QT interval. (5.3) Avoid simultaneous use of propafenone with both a cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) inhibitor and a 3A4 inhibitor (CYP3A4). (5.4) May provoke overt heart failure. (5.5) May cause dose-related first-degree AV block or other conduction disturbances. Should not be given to patients with conduction defects in absence of a pacemaker. (5.6) May affect artificial pacemakers. Pacemakers should be monitored during therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules is contraindicated in the following circumstances: Heart failure Cardiogenic shock Sinoatrial, atrioventricular, and intraventricular disorders of impulse generation or conduction (e.g., sick sinus node syndrome, AV block) in the absence of an artificial pacemaker Known Brugada Syndrome Bradycardia Marked hypotension Bronchosp...

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary In the absence of studies in pregnant women, available data from published case reports and several decades of postmarketing experience with use of propafenone in pregnancy have not identified any drug-associated risks of miscarriage, birth defects, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Untreated arrhythmias during pregnancy may pose a risk to the pregnant woman and fetus ( see Clinical Considerations ). Propafenone and its metabolite, 5-OH-propafenone, cross the placenta in humans. In animal studies, propafenone was not teratogenic.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules are supplied as hard gelatin capsules containing either 225 mg, 325 mg, or 425 mg of propafenone HCl. The 225-mg strength is brown opaque cap, white opaque body, with "225" imprinted in light blue ink on the body, content is round, white or off-white tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Propafenone used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules is indicated to prolong the time to recurrence of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with episodic (most likely paroxysmal or persistent) AF who do not have structural heart disease. Usage Considerations: The use of propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules in patients with permanent AF or in patients exclusively with atrial flutter or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) has not been evaluated. Do not use propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules to control ventricular rate during AF. Some patients with atrial flutter treated with propafenone have developed 1:1 conduction, producing an increase in ventricular rate.

What are the side effects of Propafenone?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most commonly reported adverse events with propafenone (greater than 5% and greater than placebo) excluding those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug included the following: dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, dyspnea, taste disturbance, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, constipation, upper respiratory tract infection, edema, and influenza. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Vitruvias Therapeutics at 1-844-451-5944 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Propafenone during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary In the absence of studies in pregnant women, available data from published case reports and several decades of postmarketing experience with use of propafenone in pregnancy have not identified any drug-associated risks of miscarriage, birth defects, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Untreated arrhythmias during pregnancy may pose a risk to the pregnant woman and fetus ( see Clinical Considerations ). Propafenone and its metabolite, 5-OH-propafenone, cross the placenta in humans. In animal studies, propafenone was not teratogenic.

What are the important warnings for Propafenone?

WARNING: MORTALITY •In the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST), a long-term, multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial in patients with asymptomatic non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias who had a myocardial infarction more than 6 days but less than 2 years previously, an increased rate of death or reversed cardiac arrest rate (7.7%; 56/730) was seen in patients treated with encainide or flecainide (Class IC antiarrhythmics) compared w... 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS May cause new or worsened arrhythmias. Evaluate patients via ECG prior to and during therapy. (5.1) Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules may unmask Brugada or Brugada-like Syndrome. Evaluate patients via ECG after initiation of therapy. (4, 5.2) Avoid use with other antiarrhythmic agents or drugs that prolong the QT interval. (5.3) Avoid simultaneous use of propafenone with both a cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) inhibitor and a 3A4 inhibitor (CYP3A4). (5.4) May provoke overt heart failure. (5.5) May cause dose-related first-degree AV block or other conduction disturbances. Should not be given to patients with conduction defects in absence of a pacemaker. (5.6) May affect artificial pacemakers. Pacemakers should be monitored during therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Propafenone hydrochloride extended-release capsules is contraindicated in the following circumstances: Heart failure Cardiogenic shock Sinoatrial, atrioventricular, and intraventricular disorders of impulse generation or conduction (e.g., sick sinus node syndrome, AV block) in the absence of an artificial pacemaker Known Brugada Syndrome Bradycardia Marked hypotension Bronchosp...

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.