Acecainide

General information

Acecainide (N-acetylprocainamide) is the main metabolite of procainamide, and it has antidysrhythmic activity [ ]. However, in contrast to procainamide, which has Class Ib activity, the main action of acecainide is that of Class III.

Apart from the lupus-like syndrome, the adverse effects of acecainide are as common as those of procainamide. The commonest affect the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common, as are insomnia, dizziness, light-headedness, tingling sensations, and blurred vision. Other reported unwanted effects include skin rashes, constipation, and reduced sexual function [ ].

Organs and systems