|
|
|
Pronestyl |
|
|
What is Pronestyl and why is it prescribed? Pronestyl is used to treat severe irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Arrhythmias are generally divided into two main types: heartbeats that are faster than normal (tachycardia), and heartbeats that are slower than normal (bradycardia). Irregular heartbeats are often caused by drugs or disease but can occur in otherwise healthy people with no history of heart disease or other illness. Pronestyl can cause serious blood disorders, especially during the first 3 months of treatment. Be sure to notify your doctor if you notice any of the following: joint or muscle pain, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes, muscular weakness, chest or abdominal pain, appetite loss, diarrhea, hallucinations, dizziness, depression, wheezing, cough, easy bruising or bleeding, tremors, palpitations, rash, soreness or ulcers in the mouth, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. How should you take Pronestyl? Follow your doctors directions for taking Pronestyl. Take only your prescribed doses of Pronestyl, never take more. Pronestyl should be swallowed whole. Do not break or chew the tablet. You may see remnants of the tablet in your stool, since it does not disintegrate following release of procainamide. Try not to miss any doses. Skipping doses, changing the intervals between doses, or "making up" missed doses by doubling up later may cause your condition to worsen and could be dangerous. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Pronestyl at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Are there any Pronestyl side effects? Pronestyl side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Pronestyl side effects may include abdominal pain, bitter taste, blood disorders, chest pain, chills, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, flushing, giddiness, hallucinations, hives, itching, joint pain or inflammation, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, mental depression, muscle pain, nausea, rash, skin lesions, swelling, vague feeling of illness, vomiting, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Pronestyl? If Pronestyl is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pronestyl with Alcohol, Amiodarone (Cordarone), Antiarrhythmic drugs (such as quinidine/Quinidex) and mexiletine/Mexitil), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Drugs that ease muscle spasms (such as Cogentin and Artane), Lidocaine, Ranitidine (Zantac), or Trimethoprim (Proloprim). Are there any special warnings about Pronestyl? To check for the serious blood disorders that can develop during Pronestyl therapy, your doctor will do a complete blood count weekly for the first 12 weeks and will continue to monitor your blood count carefully after that. If you develop a fever, chills, sore throat or mouth, bruising or bleeding, infections, chest or abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weakness, muscle or joint pain, skin rash, nausea, fluttery heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, dizziness, depression, wheezing, yellow eyes and skin, or dark urine, contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a serious illness. Be sure your doctor knows if you have ever had congestive heart failure or other types of heart disease. Your doctor will prescribe Pronestyl along with other antiarrhythmic drugs, such as quinidine or disopyramide, only if they have been tried and have not worked when used alone. If you have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, or myasthenia gravis, your doctor will watch you carefully while you are taking Pronestyl. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced, especially to procaine, other local anesthetics, or aspirin. Pronestyl has been known to trigger a disorder similar to lupus erythematosus. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following lupus-like symptoms: joint pain or inflammation, abdominal or chest pain, fever, chills, muscle pain, skin lesions. Doses of Pronestyl must be very precise. Different brands of procainamide have different dosing instructions. If your prescription looks different in any way, ask your doctor or pharmacist to check it and make sure it was dispensed correctly. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
