Propafenone and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

[Start2025]

Hello, I've been on propafenone 225mg x 2 a day for over 7 years for afib. I get LPR or silent reflux but don't know if there's a connection to it and taking propafenone. I read where propafenone is a sodium channel block and that a sodium channel blocker can effect the smooth muscle. I read where smooth muscle makes up the large intestine as well as the lower esophageal sphincter. I get constipation regularly and now I'm thinking it's effecting my lower esophageal sphincter keeping it from working properly and why I get reflux. Has anyone else has chronic acid reflux since starting propafenone. Thank You

[BobD Volunteer]

I took considerably more propafanone than that (900mg) for around eight years till my third ablation stopped my AF. The only side effect I found was a metallic taste all the time. We are all different of course.

[Start2025 in reply to BobD]

Thank your for your response. I haven't found anyone else on this forum with my problem. I'm going to try and come off the med for a week and see if reflux subsides. My goal is to have the ablation and hopefully come off the med permanently.

[Peacockmumma]

not on that med but occasionally get silent reflux. Think as we get older muscles, tissues collapse and weaken..it all droops and things grow where they shouldn’t lol. I’ve looked at the acid watchers diet..some things will trigger my reflux. I have lansoprazole to take bit just don’t want more pills. Seeing if it gets better on its own. Good old gaviscon adv aniseed before bed helps a lot.

[Start2025 in reply to Peacockmumma]

Thank You. PPI's don't seem to have much effect on it.

[Buffafly]

Yes, that and constipation 🙁

[Start2025 in reply to Buffafly]

Yes reflux and constipation ugh. I'm weaning off for three weeks to see if that fixes it. I'll try the pill in a pocket.

[Start2025 in reply to Buffafly]

I was wondering how long you were on propafenone?

[Buffafly in reply to Start2025]

Can’t remember exactly but at least 10 years, quite a small dose though, 2 x 150. The last straw was when it caused a very fast arrhythmia leading to coronary artery spasms so diltiazem was added and that made me like a zombie 😶‍🌫️