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Drug Interactions between flecainide and procainamide

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

procainamide flecainide

Applies to: procainamide and flecainide

GENERALLY AVOID: Class IA (e.g., disopyramide, quinidine, procainamide) and class III (e.g., amiodarone, dofetilide, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of class IA or class III antiarrhythmic agents with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval should preferably be avoided unless benefits are anticipated to outweigh the risks. Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if concomitant use is required. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Cordarone (amiodarone)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
  2. (2002) "Product Information. Vascor (bepridil)." McNeil Pharmaceutical
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Procan SR (procainamide)." Parke-Davis
  4. "Product Information. Quiniglute (quinidine)." Berlex, Richmond, CA.
  5. (2001) "Product Information. Betapace (sotalol)." Berlex Laboratories
  6. (2001) "Product Information. Norpace (disopyramide)." Searle
  7. Trujillo TC, Nolan PE (2000) "Antiarrhythmic agents - Drug interactions of clinical significance." Drug Safety, 23, p. 509-32
  8. Yamreudeewong W, DeBisschop M, Martin L, Lower D (2003) "Potentially Significant Drug Interactions of Class III Antiarrhythmic Drugs." Drug Saf, 26, p. 421-38
  9. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  10. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  11. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  12. EMA. European Medicines Agency. European Union (2013) EMA - List of medicines under additional monitoring. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/regulation/document_listing/document_listing_000366.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058067c852
  13. Maxa JL, Hebeler RF, Adeeko MA (2006) "Torsades de pointes following concurrent amiodarone and levofloxacin therapy." Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent), 19, p. 345-6
View all 13 references

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Drug and food interactions

Minor

procainamide food

Applies to: procainamide

Ethanol may increase the acetylation of procainamide. Subtherapeutic plasma levels of procainamide may result in some patients. Because the acetylated metabolite of procainamide also possesses antiarrhythmic properties, the clinical effects are unclear.

References

  1. Olsen H, Morland J (1982) "Ethanol-induced increase in procainamide acetylation in man." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 13, p. 203-8

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Antiarrhythmics

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'antiarrhythmics' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'antiarrhythmics' category:

  • flecainide
  • procainamide

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

Duplication

Group i antiarrhythmics

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'group I antiarrhythmics' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'group I antiarrhythmics' category:

  • flecainide
  • procainamide

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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