Procainamide

U.S. Brand Names

Procanbid® [DSC]

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Procainamide®; Procainamide Hydrochloride Injection, USP ; Procan® SR; Pronestyl®-SR

Pharmacologic Category

Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class Ia

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

Long-term use of procainamide may cause lupus, a disease that causes irritation to joints and other areas of the body. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to procainamide or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have a slow heartbeat without a working pacemaker or lupus.

• If you are taking cisapride.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat a fast heartbeat.

How does it work?

• Procainamide decreases the effects of chemicals on the heart. It slows the heart down.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Take this medicine with or without food but be consistent. Always take with food or always take on an empty stomach.

• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

Injection:

• This medicine can be given as a shot into a vein or as an infusion over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have low potassium levels or if you are taking a water pill, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have myasthenia gravis, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Belly pain.

• Procainamide can cause a lupus-like disease. This is usually reversible.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Fast heartbeat.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Severe belly pain.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Not hungry.

• Joint pain or swelling.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• The shot will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:17:06.0

Modified: 2008-01-30 15:36:41.0

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