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Propafenone is a class Ic anti-arrhythmic medication. It is used in the treatment of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. It works by slowing the influx of sodium ions into the cardiac muscle cells, causing a decrease in excitablity of the cells.
Propafenone is metabolized primarily in the liver. Because of its short half-life, it requires dosing two or three times daily to maintain steady blood levels . The long-term safety of propafenone is unknown. Because it is structurally similar to another dangerous anti-arrhythmic medicine, flecainide, caution should be exercised in its use. Flecainide has been shown to increase the occurrence of dangerous arrhythmias.
Side effects attributed to propafenone include hypersensitivity reactions, lupus-like syndrome, agranulocytopenia, CNS disturbances such as dizziness, lightheadedness, G.I. upset, metallic taste and bronchospasm
Antiarrhythmic agents
