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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

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)

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 →

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)

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

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

Quinidine

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