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|Tocainide hydrochloride

Tocainide hydrochloride

Generic name: Tocainide hydrochloride
Brand names: Tonocard

Why is Tocainide hydrochloride prescribed?

Tocainide hydrochloride is used to treat severe irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias). Arrhythmias are generally divided into two main types: heartbeats that are faster than normal (tachycardia), or 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. Tocainide hydrochloride works differently from other antiarrhythmic drugs, such as quinidine (Quinidex), procainamide (Procan SR), and disopyramide (Norpace). It is similar to lidocaine (Xylocaine) and is effective in treating severe ventricular arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats that occur in the main chambers of the heart).

Most important fact about Tocainide hydrochloride

Tocainide hydrochloride can cause serious blood and lung disorders in some patients, especially in the first 3 months of treatment. Be sure to notify your doctor if any of the following occurs: painful or difficult breathing, wheezing, cough, easy bruising or bleeding, tremors, palpitations, rash, soreness or ulcers in the mouth, sore throat, fever, and chills.

How should you take Tocainide hydrochloride?

It is important to take Tocainide hydrochloride on a regular schedule, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Try not to miss any doses. If Tocainide hydrochloride is not taken regularly, your condition can worsen.

--If you miss a dose...

If less than 2 hours have passed, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 2 hours late, skip the dose. Never try to "catch up" by taking a double dose.

--Storage instructions...

Keep the container tightly closed, and store it at room temperature. Protect from extreme heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tocainide hydrochloride.

• More common side effects may include:
  Confusion/disorientation, dizziness/vertigo, diarrhea/loose stools, excessive sweating, hallucinations, increased irregular heartbeat, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash/skin eruptions, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, vision disturbances, vomiting

Why should Tocainide hydrochloride not be prescribed?

If you have heart block (conduction disorder) and do not have a pacemaker, or if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Tocainide hydrochloride or certain local anesthetics such as Xylocaine, do not take Tocainide hydrochloride.

Special warnings about Tocainide hydrochloride

Be alert for signs of the blood and lung disorders that can occur early in your treatment. (See "Most important fact about Tocainide hydrochloride.")

If you have congestive heart failure, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Tocainide hydrochloride could worsen this condition.

Also make certain that the doctor is aware of any kidney or liver problems that you have. You will need to be monitored more carefully.

Before any kind of surgery, including dental surgery and emergency treatment, make sure the surgeon knows that you are taking Tocainide hydrochloride.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tocainide hydrochloride

If Tocainide hydrochloride is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tocainide hydrochloride with any of the following:

The anesthetic Lidocaine (Xylocaine)
The blood pressure medicine Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Other antiarrhythmics such as Quinidex, Procan, Mexitil

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Tocainide hydrochloride during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. However, animal studies have shown an increase in stillbirths and spontaneous abortions. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Tocainide hydrochloride may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Tocainide hydrochloride is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Dosages of Tocainide hydrochloride must be adjusted according to its effects on each individual. Your doctor should monitor you carefully to determine if the dosage you are taking is working properly. He may divide your doses further or make other changes, such as shortening the time between doses, if side effects occur.

The usual starting dose is 400 milligrams every 8 hours.

The usual dose range is between 1,200 and 1,800 milligrams total per day divided into 3 doses. This medication can be taken in 2 doses a day with careful monitoring by your doctor.

Doses beyond 2,400 milligrams per day are rarely used.

Some people, particularly those with reduced kidney or liver function, may be treated successfully with less than 1,200 milligrams per day.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Tocainide hydrochloride in children have not been established.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

There are no specific reports of Tocainide hydrochloride overdose. However, the first and most important signs of overdose would be expected to appear in the central nervous system. Disorders of the stomach and intestines might follow. Convulsions and heart and lung slowing or stopping might occur.