Complete adverse effect profile including incidence rates and management
Important Safety Information
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms. For serious or life-threatening side effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Hypotension, especially with rapid intravenous infusion
Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and bitter or metallic taste with oral therapy
Diarrhea and abdominal discomfort
Dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness
Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test during prolonged therapy, often without symptoms
Widening of the QRS complex and prolongation of the PR and QT intervals on ECG
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus-like syndrome (arthralgia, myalgia, fever, pleuritis, pericarditis, rash) with prolonged use
Torsades de pointes and other proarrhythmia from QT prolongation
Profound hypotension and cardiovascular collapse with rapid IV administration
Agranulocytosis, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and bone marrow depression (sometimes fatal)
Worsening or precipitation of heart block and asystole
Heart failure exacerbation due to negative inotropic effect
Hemolytic anemia and other hematologic dyscrasias
Angioedema, urticaria, and hypersensitivity reactions
Hepatotoxicity including elevated liver enzymes and granulomatous hepatitis
Psychosis, hallucinations, confusion, and mental depression
Myasthenia gravis aggravation due to procaine-like neuromuscular effects
Drug fever and intrahepatic cholestasis
Like all medications, Procainamide can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes this medication will experience them. Many side effects are dose-dependent and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Others may require dose adjustment or medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience signs of: