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.

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.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088