Procainamide
Patients who have abnormal heart rhythms may be prescribed procainamide. This medication strengthens the heart so that it becomes resistant to abnormal activity. It is taken orally once every few hours in order to keep the heart beating at a more steady pace.
Side Effects/Warnings
This medication should only be taken in response to life-threatening arrhythmias. It can make arrhythmia worse in some patients and can lead to fatal heart attacks.
Procainamide can cause patients’ bone marrow to severely limit the number of blood cells it produces. This can lead to anemia and to infections. If you feel extremely tired and/or have any symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, nausea or sore throat, contact your doctor immediately.