Procainamide (By injection)
proe-KANE-a-mide
Treats heart rhythm problems.
Drug classes
Antiarrhythmic, Group IA (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Procainamide injection is used to treat irregular heartbeats and to slow an overactive heart. When the heart has a normal heartbeat (rhythm), it will work more efficiently. Procainamide works by slowing the nerve impulses in the heart and reducing the sensitivity of heart tissues.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
The oral dosage forms of this medicine are no longer available in the United States.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose. This medicine is given through a needle inserted into a vein or into a muscle.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how procainamide works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Digoxin Quinidine, disopyramide, or other medicine for heart rhythm problemsWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to procainamide or if you have lupus, complete heart block, or torsade de pointes.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, heart failure, an existing heart rhythm problem, or history of heart attack. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites, aspirin, or procaine or other anesthetic medicine, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, or asthma.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Novaplus Procainamide HCl, Pronestyl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.