Brand Names: Procan SR, Procanbid, Pronestyl, Pronestyl-SR

Generic Name: procainamide (injection) (Pronunciation: proe KANE a mide)

• What is procainamide injection (Pronestyl)?
• What are the possible side effects of procainamide injection (Pronestyl)?
• What is the most important information I should know about procainamide injection (Pronestyl)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving procainamide injection (Pronestyl)?
• How is procainamide injection given (Pronestyl)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Pronestyl)?
• What happens if I overdose (Pronestyl)?
• What should I avoid while receiving procainamide injection (Pronestyl)?
• What other drugs will affect procainamide injection (Pronestyl)?
• Where can I find more information?

What is procainamide injection (Pronestyl)?

Procainamide affects the way your heart beats.

Procainamide is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart).

Procainamide may be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Procainamide 1000 mg ER-TEV

oblong, red, imprinted with COPLEY 117

Procainamide 250 mg-IVA

yellow, imprinted with Z 2345

Procainamide 500 mg ER-TEV

oblong, pink, imprinted with COP LEY, 188

Procainamide 500 mg-IVA

orange/yellow, imprinted with Z 2347

Procainamide 750 mg ER-TEV

oval, orange, imprinted with COP LEY, 114

Procanbid 1000 mg

oval, gray, imprinted with 1000, Procanbid

What are the possible side effects of procainamide injection (Pronestyl)?

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 (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, unusual weakness;
• depressed mood, hallucinations, severe dizziness;
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle pain or weakness, unusual thoughts or behavior, patchy skin color, red spots.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild dizziness or tired feeling;
• upset stomach, diarrhea; or
• mild itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about procainamide injection (Pronestyl)?

Procainamide is given in a hospital setting. Your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving procainamide.

You should not use 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 possible, before you receive procainamide, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, circulation problems, a history of heart attack or stroke (including "mini-stroke"), a weak immune system, kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, asthma, or if you are allergic to aspirin, sulfites, or any type of numbing medicine.

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

Procainamide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Tell your doctor 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.