Generic Name:

Procainamide

Trade Name:

Pronestyl

Action:

Type 1A Antiarrhythmic

Indications:

Atrial and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Administration Guidelines:

Usual Dosage Range and Route:

LOADING DOSE : 500 mg -1000mg IV at a maximum rate of 20 mg/min. Check blood pressure every 5-10 minutes during load.

*Loading dose is usually given prior to starting maintenance*

MAINTENANCE : 1 - 4 mg / min

Standard Concentrations:

2 G / 250 ml

Syringe Based, Variable Flow, Continuous microinfusion pump: 2 G / 50 ml

EW Standard

2 G / 250 ml

Special Considerations:

- QRS and QTc intervals must be measured prior to loading dose and every 4 hours during maintenance infusion. Physician must be notified of a 25% increase or greater over baseline.

- Lupus-like reaction; complete blood counts and ANA titers should be drawn periodically with long term therapy

-Procainamide and NAPA level should be monitored in patients with renal failure, combined level should not exceed 30 mg / dl

Precautions and Side Effects:

- Bradycardia

- Hypotension

- SVT

- CNS Depression

- Rash and Fever