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.
Normal function of the he...
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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.PRONESTYL
(procainamide hydrochloride) Capsule, Gelatin Coated
PRONESTYL
(procainamide hydrochloride) Tablet, Film Coated
WARNING
The prolonged administration of procainamide often leads to the development of a positive antinuclear 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.
PRONESTYL (procainamide hydrochloride), a Group 1A cardiac antiarrhythmic drug, is p-amino-N-{2-(diethylamino)ethyl}-benzamide monohydrochloride, molecular weight 271.79; its graphic formula is:
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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:
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Pronestyl »
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,...
*(locus for acetylation to N-acetylprocainamide)
It differs from procaine which is the p-aminobenzoyl ester of 2-(diethylamino)-ethanol. Procainamide as the free base has a pKa of 9.23; the monohydrochloride is very soluble in water. PRONESTYL (procainamide hydrochloride) is supplied for oral administration as capsules and tablets in potencies of 250, 375, and 500 mg.
Inactive ingredients: Tablets—calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, colorants (FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) and Yellow No. 6), flavor, povidone, pregelatinized starch, stearic acid, and other ingredients.
Capsules—colorants (D&C Yellow No. 10, except 375 mg; FD&C Yellow No. 6), gelatin, lactose (except 500 mg); magnesium stearate, talc, and titanium dioxide.
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:
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Pronestyl »
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,...
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/8/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
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