Drug Name:Procainamide
Drug Class:Class I antiarrhythmic agent
Mechanism of Action:
  • Blocks sodium channels in cardiac cells, slowing conduction and prolonging the refractory period
  • Also has weak anticholinergic and alpha-adrenergic blocking effects
Use:
  • Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias
  • Management of supraventricular arrhythmias
  • May be used in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Side Effects:
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Hypotension
  • QT prolongation
  • Torsades de pointes
  • Blood dyscrasias
  • Lupus-like syndrome
Contraindications:
  • Complete heart block
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Hypersensitivity to procainamide or other local anesthetics
Specialty:
  • Cardiology
  • Emergency Medicine