PROCAINAMIDE

Why has my veterinarian prescribed Procainamide for my dog?

Your veterinarian has prescribed Procainamide to correct irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm and to slow down a heart that is beating too fast. This allows the heart to work more efficiently.

How do I give Procainamide to my dog?

• Give this medication to your dog as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day. Administer this medication at evenly spaced intervals.
• Give this medication on an empty stomach at least ½ hour before feeding, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
• DO NOT give your dog more medicine than directed.
• DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.
• DO NOT stop giving this medicine without checking with your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian ahead of time if your dog requires medication refills.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your dog two doses at once. Contact your veterinarian if you miss giving doses two or more days in a row.

How do I store Procainamide?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

• The following side effects may occur: loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, low blood pressure and fever.
• If your dog has diarrhea, vomiting or weakness or if the dog's condition deteriorates, contact your veterinarian.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your dog.
• Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• The following list of medicines may potentially interact with procainamide: other anti-arrhythmic agents, digoxin, pyridostigmine, neostigmine, digitalis, cimetidine, succinylcholine, aminoglycosides, acetazolamide and antihypertensive drugs.
• Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

REMEMBER!  READ THE LABEL.

Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.