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Procainamide

Prescription
Class IA Antiarrhythmic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Blocks sodium channels (Class IA), prolonging action potential duration and effective refractory period. Slows conduction velocity in atrial, ventricular, and accessory pathway tissue. Active metabolite N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) has Class III (potassium channel) properties.

At a glance

Class
Class IA Antiarrhythmic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light and moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for ventricular tachycardia (especially when lidocaine fails) and supravent
Dose
15–20 mg/kg
Route
IV, PO
Frequency
q6–8h (PO); CRI (IV)
🐈

Cat

Rarely used in cats
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
IV, PO
Frequency
q6–8h (PO)

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

ECG continuously during IV loading (QRS width, QT interval)Blood pressureProcainamide + NAPA serum levels (therapeutic: procainamide 4–10 mcg/mL; NAPA <30 mcg/mL)ANA (lupus screening with chronic use)

Interactions

Major — 1

Sotalol
major
Both prolong QT interval (sotalol: Class III; procainamide/NAPA: Class IA/III). Additive QT prolongation and torsades risk.
Management: Avoid. If combined, continuous ECG monitoring mandatory. Monitor QTc interval closely.

Brands

Other markets

Pronestyl
Procan SR

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Procainamide?
Procainamide is a class ia antiarrhythmic used in pets. Blocks sodium channels (Class IA), prolonging action potential duration and effective refractory period. Slows conduction velocity in atrial, ventricular, and accessory pathway tissue. Active metabolite N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) has Class III (potassium channel) properties.
›What is Procainamide used for in pets?
Procainamide is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for ventricular tachycardia (especially when lidocaine fails) and supravent; Rarely used in cats.
›What is the Procainamide dose for dogs?
For dogs, Procainamide is typically dosed as follows — Used for ventricular tachycardia (especially when lidocaine fails) and supravent: 15–20 mg/kg IV/PO q6–8h (PO); CRI (IV). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Procainamide dose for cats?
For cats, Procainamide is typically dosed as follows — Rarely used in cats: 1–2 mg/kg IV/PO q6–8h (PO). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Procainamide need a prescription?
Yes. Procainamide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Class IA Antiarrhythmic).

Quinidine
Rx
Natural cinchona alkaloid that blocks sodium channels (Class IA), prolongs action potential and refractory period, and has vagolytic (anticholinergic) properties. Also blocks potassium channels and alpha-adrenergic receptors (vasodilation).
dogcat