(proe kane A mide)
Apo-Procainamide®; Procainamide Hydrochloride Injection, USP ; Procan® SR; Pronestyl®-SR
Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class Ia
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.
¢ 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.
¢ This medicine is used to treat a fast heartbeat.
¢ Procainamide decreases the effects of chemicals on the heart. It slows the heart down.
¢ 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.
¢ 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.
¢ 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.
¢ 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.
¢ Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
¢ Follow up with healthcare provider.
¢ 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.
¢ 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.
¢ 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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