Could Propafenone hydrochloride Cause Visual Hallucination?

Abstract

Introduction: There may be some cardiac and non-cardiac side effects of propafenone hydrochloride, which is a class IC antiarrhythmic agent used for medical cardioversion in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Case Report: Propafenone hydrochloride (600 mg) was orally administered to a 74-year-old patient with tachycardia due to new-onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. After 30 min, sinus bradycardia in response to atropine, swelling and numbness in the tongue, slurred speech, blurred vision, diplopia, spasm and contradiction at the right arm and leg, drowsiness, and visual hallucinations lasting for 24 h developed. The patient recovered without any sequel and was discharged from the coronary intensive care unit. Conclusion: Although propafenone hydrochloride is known to be safe at therapeutic doses, various possible multiple side effects should be considered.