Tocainide Hydrochloride (By Mouth)

Tocainide Hydrochloride (toe-KAY-nide hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

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

Brand Name(s):

Tonocard
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tocainide, mexiletine, or lidocaine in the past.

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 (Tagametreg;), or other heart medicines such as Inderalreg; or Lopressorreg;.

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.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.