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

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May 27, 2012

Pronestyl

Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders) »

How does the heart work?

The heart is a two stage electric pump whose job it is to circulate blood through the body. There is a group of cells that serve as an automatic pacemaker located in the atrium that generates an electrical current that spreads to the heart muscle cells to generate a coordinated squeeze, so that the pump can function.

The heart has four chambers, the right and left atria (singular= atrium) and the right and left ventricles. The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs while the left side pumps it to the rest of the body.

Blood from the body is collected in the right atrium and is pushed into the right ventricle with a small beat of the upper chamber of the heart. The right ventricle then pumps the blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. They oxygen-rich blood returns to the left atrium where the small atrial beat pushes it to the left ventricle. The left ventricle is much thicker than the right because it needs t...

Read the Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders) article »

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Pronestyl

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

Pronestyl Patient Information including How Should I Take

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

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 (Pronestyl)?

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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