Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Propafenone

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Updated January 26, 2022 - 6:00pm

Alternate Name(s): 
Rhytmol
Classification: 
Antiarrhythmic
Original Date: 
August 2003
Revised Date: 
September 2017
Indications: 
  • Life threatening ventricular arrhythmias
Administration: 
  • PO
Dosage: 
  • PO:
    • Dosing by Body Surface Area:
      • 100 - 500 mg/m2/day divided BID or TID

 

Formula for Body Surface Area (BSA):

Click here for BSA Formula

 

 

Side Effects: 
  • CVS: hypotension with rapid administration, bradycardia, arrhythmia
  • GI: GI distress, vomiting
  • Hepatic: elevated liver enzymes
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • BP, HR
  • QRS duration and PR interval
  • May increase serum digoxin levels. Reduce digoxin dose by 50% when initiating concurrent propafenone therapy
Compatibility: 

 

 

 

 

Notes: 

** Propafenone injection normally acquired through Health Canada's Special Access Program is no longer available as the manufacturer has ceased production.  According to Health Canada there is no alternate supplier. (September 2017) **

References: 

-Klasko RK (ed): Drugdexâ System. Thomson MicroMedex, Greenwood Village, Colorado (Vol 123, exp March 2005)

Paul T, Janousek J.  New Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Pediatric Use: Propafenone. Pediatr Cardiol 15: 190-197, 1994

-Reimer A, Paul T, Kalfelz H-C.  Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous and Oral Propafenone in Pediatric Cardiac Dysrhythmias.  Am J Cardiol 1991;68:741-744

- Garson A, Moak JP, Smith RT, Norton JB. Usefulness of Intravenous Propafenone for Control of Postoperative Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia.  Am J Cardiol 1987; 59: 1422-1424

 

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