This medicine is an anti-arrhythmic used to treat an irregular heartbeat.

Before using
WARNING: Prolonged procainamide use may result in testing positive (ANA test) for a serious skin problem (lupus erythematosus-like syndrome). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop skin eruptions (swelling or redness). Procainamide may rarely cause serious (even fatal) blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, hypoplastic anemia). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat or fever), easy bruising or bleeding, or unusual fatigue. This drug may need to be stopped if any of these problems occur. Procainamide must be used only in cases of life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking cisapride, astemizole, terfenadine, grepafloxacin, or sparfloxacin. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, cimetidine, or macrolide antibiotics. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of heart conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. IT IS BEST TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it if you remember within 2 hours. If it is more than 2 hours since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.