What is Procainamide?

Procainamide affects the way your heart beats.
Procainamide is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart).
Procainamide may be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Procainamide?

Procainamide is given in a hospital setting. Your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving procainamide.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to procainamide, or if you have certain heart conditions, especially “AV block” (unless you have a pacemaker), lupus, or a history of “Long QT syndrome.”
If possible, before you receive procainamide, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, circulation problems, a history of heart attack or stroke (including “mini-stroke”), a weak immune system, kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, asthma, or if you are allergic to aspirin, sulfites, or any type of numbing medicine.
In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows that you have received this medication.
Procainamide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Tell your doctor if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Procainamide?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to procainamide, or if you have:

• certain heart conditions, especially “AV block” (unless you have a pacemaker)
• lupus; or
• a history of “Long QT syndrome.”

If you any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• congestive heart failure
• circulation problems
• a history of heart attack or stroke (including “mini-stroke”)
• a weak immune system
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• myasthenia gravis
• asthma or sulfite allergy
• if you are allergic to aspirin; or
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a numbing medicine

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether procainamide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before receiving procainamide, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Procainamide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with procainamide to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medication.

Procainamide Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Procainamide?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
* a new or a worsening irregular heartbeat pattern
* chest pain, wheezing, trouble breathing
* feeling like you might pass out
* signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, unusual weakness
* depressed mood, hallucinations, severe dizziness
* stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
* joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle pain or weakness, unusual thoughts or behavior, patchy skin color, red spots
Less serious side effects may include:
* mild dizziness or tired feeling
* upset stomach, diarrhea; or
* mild itching
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Procainamide Interactions

What other drugs affect Procainamide?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); or
• heart rhythm medications such as amiodarone (Cordarone), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release), disopyramide (Norpace), flecaininde (Tambocor), mexiletine (Mexitil), morizicine (Ethmozine), propafenone, (Rythmol), and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with procainamide injection. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Procainamide?

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Procainamide can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Procainamide Dosage

How should I take Procainamide?

Procainamide is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle. You will receive procainamide injection in a hospital setting where your heart can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects.
Your heart rate will be constantly monitored using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart. Your breathing, blood pressure and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving procainamide.
Procainamide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

What happens if I overdose on Procainamide?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, tremors, weak or shallow breathing, and fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Procainamide?

Since procainamide injection is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com