Procan Sr (Procainamide) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 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.)

Procan Sr Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving procainamide injection (Procan Sr)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to procainamide, or if you have:

certain heart conditions, especially "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
lupus; or
a history of "Long QT syndrome."

If you any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

congestive heart failure;
circulation problems;
a history of heart attack or stroke (including "mini-stroke");
a weak immune system;
kidney disease;
liver disease;
myasthenia gravis;
asthma or sulfite allergy;
if you are allergic to aspirin; or
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a numbing medicine.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether procainamide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before receiving procainamide, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Procainamide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with procainamide to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medication.

How is procainamide injection given (Procan Sr)?

Procainamide is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle. You will receive procainamide injection in a hospital setting where your heart can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects.

Your heart rate will be constantly monitored using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart. Your breathing, blood pressure and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving procainamide.

Procainamide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

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