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Procainamide

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

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 this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet 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 the pet 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 pet 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 the pet two doses at once. Contact your veterinarian if you miss giving doses two or more days in a row.

How do I store this medicine?

• 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.

Potential Side Effects

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

Possible Drug Interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• 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 pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.