Procan
Procan Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Procan is a brand name. Its generic name is Procainamide.
Procan Introduction
Procan is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. It is also known as Pronestyl, Proca, or Procan SR. This medication works by helping the heart to beat regularly
Uses For Procan
Procanamide is commonly used to manage a wide range of abnormal heart rhythms, specifically to:
- Prevent and treat atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia)
- Prevent and treat arrhythmias caused by digitalis toxicity
- Treat ventricular fibrillation
- Stabilize patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Mechanism of Action
Procan works by stabilizing the electric signals in the heart. It helps the heart to beat regularly and speeds up electrical communication between the heart chambers. This helps to prevent and treat abnormal heart rhythms.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Procan typically takes about 30 minutes to take effect. Studies suggest that procainamide could be effective within 15 minutes in some patients. However, it may take up to 3 hours for the full effects of procainamide to be seen.
Absorption
Procan is well absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration. It has an average bioavailability of 54%.
Route of Elimination
Procan is primarily eliminated via the kidneys. About 86% of the drug is eliminated in the urine with a half-life of about 4 hours. The remainder is metabolized in the liver by sulfohydrolase and glucuronidation.
Dosage
Doses of procainamide vary depending on the condition being treated. Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions for taking this medication. Some general dosing guidelines include:
- For treating arrhythmias: Oral procainamide typically starts at 500 mg, three times a day
- For the prevention of arrhythmias: Oral procainamide typically starts at 500-1000 mg, three times a day
- For rapid control of arrhythmias: Bolus doses of procainamide have been used with doses ranging from 10-50 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 500-1000 mg/day
Administration
Procan is typically administered orally with or without food. The medication should be taken as prescribed as missing doses may not be effective. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider if they have any questions about procainamide.
Side Effects
Common side effects of procainamide include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
Toxicity
Procan is generally considered safe at recommended doses, but high doses and prolonged use can lead to serious toxicity. Symptoms of procainamide toxicity include:
- Cardiovascular toxicity
- Neuromuscular toxicity
- Hemolytic anemia
- Renal toxicity
- Methemoglobinemia
Precaution
Procan should be used cautiously in patients with:
- A history of blood disorders
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Heart failure
- Breathing difficulty
Interaction
Procan may interact with other medications, including:
- Antiarthritic medications
- Antihistamines
- Anticoagulants
- Antidiabetic medications
- High blood pressure medications
- Antidepressants
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Antifungal medications
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Disease Interaction
Procan may interact with certain medical conditions, including:
- Hypothyroidism
- Myasthenia gravis
- Hypocalcemia
- Parathyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Depression
Drug Interaction
Procan can interact with other medications, including:
- Antiarrhythmics (e.g., ibutilide, chinidine, dronedarone)
- Antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers)
- Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs)
- Antipsychotics (e.g., clozapine, haloperidol)
- Diuretics
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Isoniazid
Food Interactions
Procan may interact with certain foods, including:
- Grapefruit juice
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Iron-containing supplements
- Calcium-containing supplements
Pregnancy Use
Procan is classified as a Pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it is not known whether procainamide will cause harm to an unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult their healthcare provider before taking procainamide.
Lactation Use
Procan is not known to cause harm to nursing infants. However, it is not known whether procainamide is excreted in breast milk. Patients who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed should speak with their healthcare provider before taking procainamide.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an acute procainamide overdose may include: rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heart rhythms, anxiety, confusion, and seizures.
Contraindication
Procan is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the medication. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe myasthenia gravis or myasthenic symptoms.
Use Directions
Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions for taking procainamide. Patients should take procainamide with or without food, as prescribed by their healthcare provider. It is important that the medication be taken at the same time(s) each day.
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