Propafenone
Propafenone is a Class 1C antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent certain types of life-threatening irregular heartbeats. It works by stabilizing the electrical activity of the heart muscle and reducing the speed of electrical signal transmission in the heart.
Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic drug that stabilizes irregular heartbeats by affecting the electrical signals in the heart muscle.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01BC03
- RxNorm
- 8754
- Generic
- Propafenone
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Rythmol
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 150mg to 300mg every 8 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg to 20mg per kg per day divided every 8 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg every 12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
fetal monitoring and echocardiography
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid near term if possible due to potential effects on neonate
monitor neonate for cardiac effects after delivery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
propafenone is excreted in breast milk - do not breastfeed while on this medication
infant monitoring if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to potential age-related decline in hepatic and renal function
regular monitoring of renal and hepatic function, ECG monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
propafenone is not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to limited safety and efficacy data
ECG and vital sign monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose and monitor levels
use with caution in severe renal impairment - dose adjustment may be required based on drug levels
therapeutic drug monitoring, regular renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose to 20-30% of normal
propafenone is extensively metabolized in liver - reduce dose significantly in hepatic impairment
therapeutic drug monitoring, liver function tests, ECG monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid use
contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment due to significantly reduced metabolism
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Used to treat and prevent life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and symptomatic supraventricular arrhythmias when the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
As a Class 1C antiarrhythmic with local anesthetic properties, propafenone blocks sodium channels in cardiac tissue, reducing the upstroke velocity of the action potential and stabilizing myocardial membranes.
Can paradoxically cause new or worsening arrhythmias. Requires careful cardiac monitoring and dose titration. Use is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled heart failure, severe bradycardia, or certain other cardiac conditions. May interact with other antiarrhythmic drugs and requires regular follow-up to assess efficacy and safety.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy