Procainamide
Procainamide (pronounced pro-cain-amide) is a medication used in the treatment of certain types of cardiac arrhythmia. It belongs to the class Ia antiarrhythmic group of medicines.
Etymology
The term "Procainamide" is derived from "procaine", an anesthetic, and "amide", a common suffix in organic chemistry indicating the presence of a carbonyl group attached to a nitrogen atom.
Pharmacology
Procainamide works by blocking the sodium channels on the cardiac tissue, slowing the rate at which the heart beats. This helps to restore a regular rhythm and prevent further arrhythmias from occurring.
Usage
Procainamide is used to treat a variety of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. It is typically administered intravenously in a hospital setting, under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Side Effects
Like all medications, procainamide can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In rare cases, procainamide can cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as torsades de pointes.
Contraindications
Procainamide should not be used in patients with certain medical conditions, including myasthenia gravis, lupus, and severe heart block. It should also be used with caution in patients with kidney disease or liver disease, as these conditions can affect how the body processes the medication.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Procainamide
- Wikipedia's article - Procainamide
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