Before taking tocainide, tell your doctor if you have
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any other type of heart disease or heart problem,
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liver disease, or
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kidney disease.
You may not be able to take tocainide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Tocainide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether tocainide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Tocainide passes into breast milk. It is not known whether tocainide will affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Take tocainide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Tocainide may be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.
Do not skip doses or change your dosing schedule without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition much worse.
Store tocainide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Try not to miss any doses of this medication. Missing doses could be very dangerous.
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking tocainide and seek emergency medical attention:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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a new or a worsening irregular heartbeat pattern;
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wheezing, coughing, chest pain, or chest discomfort;
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unusual bruising or bleeding; or
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fever, sore throat, a sore mouth, mouth ulcers, or an infection.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take tocainide and talk to your doctor if you experience
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dizziness or tiredness;
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upset stomach, vomiting, decreased appetite, or diarrhea;
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headache or blurred vision;
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confusion; or
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numbness, tingling, or tremor (shaking).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, chest discomfort, worsening irregular heartbeats, a fever, a sore throat, a throat infection, a sore mouth, mouth ulcers, a rash, or unusual bruising or bleeding.
Do not skip doses or change your dosing schedule without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition much worse.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tocainide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tocainide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Follow any other special instructions given by your doctor regarding food, beverages or activities.
The effects of tocainide may be decreased by rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin). Your doctor may want to adjust your tocainide dosage if you are taking this medicine.
The beta-blocker metoprolol (Lopressor) may increase the effects of tocainide. Your doctor may need to lower your dose of tocainide if you are taking this medication.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tocainide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a tocainide overdose include tiredness, dizziness, confusion, tremor, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and a worsening irregular heartbeat.