Rhythm control medicines

Rhythm-control medicines return your heart to a normal rhythm. And they keep it at a normal rhythm. They are also called antiarrhythmics.

Doctors may use these medicines for many reasons. These reasons include:

• You have symptoms from a heart rhythm problem.
• You had electric cardioversion. Or you will have it.
• You had catheter ablation.
• You tried medicine to control your heart rate. But it did not help.
• You are at risk of having a dangerous heart rhythm.

These medicines can have serious side effects.

• Amiodarone (Pacerone)
• Flecainide
• Propafenone (Rythmol)
• Sotalol (Betapace AF)

Side effects depend on which medicine you take. One serious one is a very irregular heart rate.

Read the information that comes with your medicine.

• You may be in the hospital when you start this medicine. Your doctor will watch what it does to your heart.
• Be sure to ask your doctor any questions. You may want to know more about the pros and cons of the medicine.
• Your doctor will check you often. They will make sure you are not having problems. Be sure to go to all of your visits.
• You may need regular blood tests. These make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you use any other medicines. This includes over-the-counter medicines. Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you take. Taking some medicines together can cause problems.