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Procainamide

Generic name: Procainamide [ pro-KANE-a-mide ]
Drug class: Group I antiarrhythmics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 23, 2024.

Warning

  • Long-term use of procainamide may cause lupus, a disease that causes irritation to joints and other parts of the body. Talk with the doctor.
  • This medicine is only to be used to treat certain types of abnormal heartbeats. Other abnormal heartbeats have happened with procainamide, which in rare cases can be deadly. Talk to the doctor if you have any questions about procainamide.
  • Rarely, certain blood problems have happened with procainamide. This can lead to bleeding problems or infections. Sometimes, these have been deadly. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or a wound that will not heal. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, or if you feel very tired or weak.
  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had any bone marrow or blood problems.

Uses of Procainamide:

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Procainamide?

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with procainamide.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take procainamide with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Procainamide?

How is this medicine (Procainamide) best taken?

Use procainamide as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

amiodarone, lidocaine, verapamil, dofetilide, Pacerone, mexiletine

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

What are some other side effects of Procainamide?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Procainamide?

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Further information

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