Procainamide

Used to treat ventricular dysrhythmia refactory to amiodarone and/or lidocaine

Like lidocaine, procainamide suppresses the automaticity of ectopic pacemakers; slows interventricular conduction

Premature ventricular contractions refractory to lidocaine; Premature contractions or ventricular tachycardia in patients who are allergic to lidocaine

• Should not be administered to patients with severe conductive system disturbances, especially second and third degree heart blocks
• Also should be avoided in patients with a prolonged QT interval and torsades de pointes

Should not be given to pts with associated Bradycardia without first increasing heart rate, constant monitoring of the ECG and blood pressure is essential

• For V-Tach or PVC'S 100mgs administered every 5 miutes at a rate of 20 mg/min; Discontinue if any of the following occur; QRS widens by 50% or more of its original width, total dose of 17 mg/kg of medication has been administered. Maintenance infusion of Procainamide is 1-4mg/min. Duration is shorter than that of Lidocaine
• Pediatric dose 15mg/kg over 30-60 min