Bile Acid Sequestrants

Tocainide

Serotonin 5-HT Receptor Agonists

Meprobamate

Meglitinides

Thiazolidinediones

Para-aminobenzoic Acid

Vitamin B6

Sympathomimetics

Xanthine Derivatives

Tocainide - Uses and Benefits of Tocainide

Type of Drug:

A drug for specific types of irregular heartbeats.

How the Tocainide Works:

Tocainide reduces the tendency of the heart to beat irregularly.

Uses of The Tocainide:

To treat life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe tocainide for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy and trigeminal neuralgia.

Precautions:

Heart rhythm disturbances: Worsened heart rhythm disturbances can result from taking tocainide. Close monitoring and careful dosage adjustment will be required.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Tocainide appears in breast milk. Because of the potential for adverse effects, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Consult your doctor.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required during treatment with tocainide. Tests may include: Electrocardiograms; potassium levels; blood counts and chest x-rays, especially during the first 3 months of therapy. Report any unusual bruising or bleeding, signs of infection (fever, sore throat, chills) painful or difficult breathing, coughing or wheezing to your doctor.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with tocainide. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with tocainide:

  • Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)

  • Metoprolol (Lopressor)

  • Rifampin (eg, Rifadin)

Side Effects of Tocainide:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many tocainide users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Appetite loss; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; loose stools. Nervous System: Dizziness; vertigo (feeling of whirling motion); drowsiness; tremor; confusion; disorientation; hallucinations; change in mood or awareness; incoordination; unsteadiness; walking disturbances; anxiety; headache; abnormal sensations.

Circulatory System: Irregular heartbeats; palpitations (pounding in the chest), decreased blood pressure, chest pain, congestive heart failure.

Other: Blurred vision; visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, sweating, hot/cold feelings, rash, skin lesion/disorder, joint or mUscle pain.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Notify your doctor if any of the following Occurs: painful or difficult breathing; cough; wheezing; tremor; palpitations; rash, easy bruising or bleeding; fever; sore throat; soreness and ulcers in the mouth; or chills.

  • May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Observe caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness.

  • May cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Notify your doctor if these persist or become severe.


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