Propafenone is a Class 1C antiarrhythmic agent used in the management of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter and ventricular arrhythmias. An antiarrhythmia agent that is particularly effective in ventricular arrhythmias.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The electrophysiological effect of propafenone manifests itself in a reduction of upstroke velocity (Phase 0) of the monophasic action potential. In Purkinje fibers, and to a lesser extent myocardial fibers, propafenone reduces the fast inward current carried by sodium ions, which is responsible for the drugs antiarrhythmic actions. Diastolic excitability threshold is increased and effective refractory period prolonged. Propafenone reduces spontaneous automaticity and depresses triggered activity. At very high concentrations in vitro, propafenone can inhibit the slow inward current carried by calcium but this calcium antagonist effect probably does not contribute to antiarrhythmic efficacy.
- Primary indication
- Used to prolong the time to recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter (PAF) associated with disabling symptoms in patients without structural heart disease.Curator reviewed · 4 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C21H27NO3 · 341.444 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2001 · United States, 2000
- Brand names
Resolves to
JWHAUXFOSRPERK-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCCCNCC(O)COC1=C(C=CC=C1)C(=O)CCC1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Propafenone, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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