| procainamide | <chemical> A derivative of procaine with less CNS action. It is used in cardiac arrhythmias. It differs chemically from procaine by containing the amide group (CONH) instead of the ester group (COO). It depresses the irritability of the cardiac muscle, having a quinidine-like action upon the heart, and is used in ventricular arrhythmias. Pharmacological action: anti-arrhythmia agents, platelet aggregation inhibitors. Suppresses ventricular ectopy by slowing Phase 4 diastolic depolarisation, reducing automaticity. Slows conduction and may prevent reentrant rhythms. Uses: Treat premature ventricular contractions and ventricular tachycardia. May convert supraventricular arrhythmias. Dose: IV Loading: 20-30 mg/min until toxicity or desired effect up to 17 mg/kg Maintenance: 1-4 mg/min infusion Reduce dosage if heart or renal failure. Potential complications: QRS widening and PR prolongation on the ECG. AV Block or asystole may follow. Rapid administration causes hypotension from vasodilation. Chemical name: 4-amino-N-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)-benzamide (12 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| procainamide hydrochloride | (05 Mar 2000) |
| bacterial capsules | An envelope of loose gel surrounding a bacterial cell which is associated with the virulence of pathogenic bacteria. Some capsules have a well-defined border, whereas others form a slime layer that trails off into the medium. most capsules consist of relatively simple polysaccharides but there are some bacteria whose capsules are made of polypeptides. (12 Dec 1998) |
| brood capsules | Small hollow projections from the lining membrane of a hydatid cyst from which the scoleces arise. (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsules | Hard or soft, soluble containers of a suitable substance, for enclosing a dose of medicine, usually for oral administration. (12 Dec 1998) |