propafenone

Implementation

PO: Propafenone therapy should be initiated in a hospital with facilities for cardiac rhythm monitoring. Most serious proarrhythmic effects are seen in the first 2 wk of therapy.

» Swallow sustained-release capsules whole; do not open, crush or chew.

» Previous antiarrhythmic therapy should be withdrawn 2–5 half-lives before starting propafenone.

» Dose adjustments should be at least 3–4 days apart because of the long half-life of propafenone.

» Correct pre-existing hypokalemia or hyperkalemia prior to instituting therapy.