Procan Sr (Procainamide) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Procan Sr

Atrial Fibrillation »

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, abnormal rhythm of the heart.

The heart contracts (beats) and pumps blood with a regular rhythm, for example, at a rate of 60 beats per minute there is a beat every second. The heart may beat faster or slower with a shorter or longer interval between beats, but at any one rate the interval between beats is constant. This regular rhythm occurs as a result of regular electrical discharges (currents) that travel through the heart and cause the muscle of the heart to contract. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical discharges are irregular and rapid and, as a result, the heart beats irregularly and, usually, rapidly.

Atrial fibrillation is common; half a million new cases are diagnosed yearly in the U.S., and billions of dollars are spent annually on its diagnosis and treatment.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

Normal function of the he...

Read the Atrial Fibrillation article »

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Procan Sr

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

WARNING:

Positive ANA Titer: The prolonged administration of procainamide often leads in the development of a positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) test, with or without symptoms of a lupus erythematosus-like syndrome. If a positive ANA titer develops, the benefits versus risks of continued procainamide therapy should be assessed.

Procainamide hydrochloride, a Group 1A cardiac antiarrhythmic drug, is p-amino-N-[2-(diethylamino) ethyl]-benzamide monohydrochloride, molecular weight 271.79.

Procainamide Hydrochloride Extended-release Tablets meet USP Drug Release Dissolution Test 5

Procainamide Hydrochloride differs from procaine which is the p-aminobenzoyl ester of 2-(diethylamino)-ethenol. Procainamide as the free base has a pKa of 9.23; the monohydrochloride is very soluble in water. Procainamide Hydrochloride Extended-release Tablets, USP is available for oral administration as pink, scored, film-coated tablets containing 500 mg Procainamide hydrochloride, as light orange to tan, scored, film-coated tablets containing 750 mg procainamide hydrochloride, and as red scored film-coated tablets containing 1000 mg procainamide hydrochloride.

All strengths of Procainamide Hydrochloride contain calcium silicate, carnauba wax, NF; diethyl phthalate, NF; dimethyl Polysiloxane fluid; ethylcellulose, NF; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910, USP; magnesium stearate NF; and vanillin, NF. The individual strengths contain additional ingredients as follows:

500 mg: D&C Red No. 30, aluminum lake; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, USP; Polyethylene glycol, NF; polysorbate 80, NF; and titanium dioxide, USP.

750 mg: D&C Yellow No. 10, aluminum lake; FD&C Yellow. No 6, aluminum lake: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, USP; polyethylene glycol. NF; polysorbate 80, NF; and titanium dioxide, USP.

1000 mg: FD&C Red No. 40, aluminum lake; polyethylene glycol, NF; Polysorbate 80, NF; and titanium dioxide, USP.

Procainamide Hydrochloride Extended-release Tablets contain a tablet matrix, designed for the controlled release of the drug through the gastrointestinal tract. The extended wax tablet Matrix, which is not absorbed, may be detected in the stool.

What are the possible side effects of procainamide injection (Procan SR, Procanbid, Pronestyl, Pronestyl-SR)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

a new or a worsening irregular heartbeat pattern;
chest pain, wheezing, trouble breathing;
feeling like you might pass out;
signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Procan Sr »

What are the precautions when taking procainamide (Procan Sr)?

Before taking procainamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to local anesthetics (e.g., procaine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain heart problems (second- or third-degree atrioventricular block or bundle branch block unless you have a heart pacemaker), a certain immune problem (lupus).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: first-degree atrioventricular block, new or recent heart attack,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Procan Sr »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.