PROCAINAMIDE HCL

Drug Name: PROCAINAMIDE HCL

PROCAINAMIDE HCL DESCRIPTION:
PROCAINAMIDE - ORAL, INJECTION (pro-CANE-uh-mide)

COMMON PROCAINAMIDE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Pronestyl-SR

PROCAINAMIDE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, bitter taste in mouth, dizziness, or flushing may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, stomach pains, vomiting, hallucinations, depression, fever, chills, mouth sores, sore throat, skin rash, dark urine, muscle aches, joint pain, easy bruising, breathing trouble. PROCAINAMIDE HCL can cause blood disorders. Laboratory tests will be done periodically to monitor for these effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PROCAINAMIDE HCL:
PROCAINAMIDE HCL: Take PROCAINAMIDE HCL at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. It is important to take each dose at the designated time. Do not increase your dose, take this more often or skip any doses since improper dosing may lead to a worsening of your condition. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you plan a correct and convenient dosing schedule. Do not stop taking PROCAINAMIDE HCL without consulting your doctor. It is important to continue taking PROCAINAMIDE HCL even if you feel well. Sustained-release tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them or the long action can be destroyed and the chance of side effects increased.

PROCAINAMIDE HCL WARNING:
Prolonged procainamide use may result in testing positive (ANA test) for a serious skin problem (lupus erythematosus-like syndrome). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop skin eruptions (swelling or redness). Procainamide may rarely cause serious (even fatal) blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, hypoplastic anemia). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat or fever), easy bruising or bleeding, or unusual fatigue. PROCAINAMIDE HCL may need to be stopped if any of these problems occur. Procainamide must be used only in cases of life-threatening heart arrhythmias.

PROCAINAMIDE HCL USES:
Procainamide is used to treat an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

PROCAINAMIDE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, lupus erythematosus, blood disorders, any allergies (especially to procaine, local anesthetic drugs, or aspirin). PROCAINAMIDE HCL should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of PROCAINAMIDE HCL are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PROCAINAMIDE HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: medication for your heart; beta-blockers, quinidine, cimetidine, ranitidine, trimethoprim. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PROCAINAMIDE HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fast heartbeat, confusion, and decreased urination.

PROCAINAMIDE HCL NOTES:
Some brands of PROCAINAMIDE HCL contain a wax core which slowly releases the drug in the body. This wax core is not digested and may be seen in your stool. Do not be alarmed.

MISSED PROCAINAMIDE HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PROCAINAMIDE HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.