tocainide-oral, Tonocard
GENERIC NAME: TOCAINIDE - ORAL (toe-CANE-ide)
BRAND NAME(S): Tonocard
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: This medication has caused severe, even fatal, lung problems (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis), and blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression). Lung problems have occurred more often in severely ill people. Blood disorders often appear during the first 12 weeks of use. Tell your doctor if you already have a blood disorder or bone marrow problem. Stop using this drug and notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of an infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores), easy bruising or bleeding, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Your doctor will decide if you require other treatment. Your doctor will monitor you and test your blood counts for the first 3 months of therapy and often thereafter.
USES: This medication is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate.
HOW TO USE: This is best taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, but may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. This medication works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose exactly as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication or change the dose without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, headache, sweating, blurred vision, numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes, confusion or nervousness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, easy bruising or bleeding, rash, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, coughing, persistent sore throat, fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Be sure your doctor or dentist knows your complete medical history, especially of: scheduled medical or dental procedures. Because this medication may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some people, make sure you know how you react to this drug before driving or operating machinery. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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