Procainamide hcl

Procainamide HCl is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. It belongs to the class of medications known as antiarrhythmic agents, specifically class 1A. Procainamide works by slowing the electrical conduction in the heart, thus reducing irregular heartbeat.

Pharmacology

Procainamide HCl acts by blocking the fast inward movement of sodium ions into the cardiac muscle cells, thus prolonging the action potential duration and refractory period. This results in a decrease in the rate and regularity of the heart rhythm.

Clinical Use

Procainamide HCl is used to treat a variety of cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. It may also be used in the management of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Procainamide HCl can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More serious side effects can include cardiogenic shock, heart block, and lupus erythematosus.

Contraindications

Procainamide HCl is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, or in those with complete heart block or torsades de pointes. It should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis or lupus erythematosus.

See Also

• Antiarrhythmic agent
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Pharmacology