Tocainide hydrochloride (By mouth)

Introduction:

Tocainide Hydrochloride (TOE-ka-nide hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).Belongs to the group of drugs called class antiarrhythmics.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered, even if you feel fine.
• May be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
• You may need to carry identification saying that you are taking tocainide. Ask you doctor about this.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you can, unless you are more than 4 hours late.
• If more than 4 hours late, skip the missed dose and take your medicine at your usual time.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking cimetidine (Tagamet®), or other heart medicines such as Inderal® or Lopressor®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking tocainide if you have heart (congestive heart failure), kidney, or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking tocainide before having any kind of surgery.
• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Tocainide makes some people dizzy or drowsy, be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Wheezing or coughing
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Blurred vision
• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Skin rash, severe itching or hives
• Blisters, scaling or peeling of skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness
• Headache or confusion
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Sweating, trembling, or shaking

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: