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Procainamide is used to treat an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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pronestyl
Uses
Procainamide is used to treat an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
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.
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.
Photos
Pronestyl |
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pronestyl.jpg |
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Pronestyl |
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How To Use
- Take Pronestyl 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 Pronestyl without consulting your doctor.
- It is important to continue taking Pronestyl 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.
Side Effects
- Stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, bitter taste in mouth, or flushing may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
- If any of these effects continue or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
- Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, stomach pain, vomiting, hallucinations, depression, fever, chills, mouth sores, sore throat, skin rash, dark urine, muscle aches, joint pain, easy bruising, breathing trouble.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat.
- Pronestyl 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.
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).
- A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in the injection form of Pronestyl or in the liquid used to mix the injection form of Pronestyl (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period).
- The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol.
- Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat.
- Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur.
- If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates.
- Pronestyl should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Since small amounts of Pronestyl are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed 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.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: medication for your heart, beta-blockers, cimetidine, ranitidine, amiodarone, trimethoprim.
- Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, sparfloxacin, water pills (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide).
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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