Health Vidya

In patients without structural heart disease, propafenone HCl is indicated to prolong the time to recurrence of - paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter (PAF) associated with disabling symptoms. - paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) associated with disabling symptoms. As with other agents, some patients with atrial flutter treated with propafenone have developed 1:1 conduction, producing an increase in ventricular rate. Concomitant treatment with drugs that increase the functional AV refractory period is recommended. The use of propafenone in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation has not been evaluated. Propafenone should not be used to control ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation. Propafenone is also indicated for the treatment of -documented ventricular arrhythmias, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, that, in the judgment of the physician, are life-threatening. Because of the proarrhythmic effects of propafenone, its use with lesser ventricular arrhythmias is not recommended, even if patients are symptomatic, and any use of the drug should be reserved for patients in whom, in the opinion of the physician, the potential benefits out-weigh the risks. Initiation of propafenone treatment, as with other antiarrhythmics used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, should be carried out in the hospital. Propafenone, like other antiarrhythmic drugs, has not been shown to enhance survival in patients with ventricular or atrial arrhythmias.