About procainamide
Class IA antiarrhythmic
Used for
- Treats certain serious abnormal heart rhythms, including ventricular arrhythmias.
- May be used for atrial arrhythmias in selected situations.
Usual adult dose
Given intravenously or by infusion under continuous monitoring; dosing depends on rhythm, response, and kidney function.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-determined intravenous dosing based on weight and continuous monitoring.
Common side effects
- Low blood pressure
- Slow or abnormal heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lupus-like symptoms with prolonged use
Important warnings
- Requires continuous ECG and blood-pressure monitoring during injection.
- Can cause dangerous rhythm changes, heart block, or cardiac arrest.
- Use caution with kidney disease, heart failure, or existing conduction problems.
- Prolonged treatment can cause lupus-like illness or low blood counts.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; pregnancy-specific risks and benefits require clinician assessment.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; use requires clinician assessment of potential infant exposure and effects.
Interactions
- Other rhythm medicines may increase heart effects.
- Medicines that prolong the QT interval can increase dangerous rhythm risk.
- Anticholinergic medicines may worsen urinary retention or other effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.