Tocainide

The Basics

What is Tocainide?

Used to correct irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm.

Brand names for Tocainide

Tonocard

How Tocainide is classified

Antiarrhythmics

Tocainide During Pregnancy

Tocainide pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Tocainide while pregnant

In a teratogenicity study in rabbits, tocainide was administered orally at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day (about 1 to 4 times the usual human dose). No evidence of a drug-related teratogenic effect was noted; however, these doses were maternotoxic and produced a dose-related increase in abortions and stillbirths. In a teratogenicity study in rats, an oral dose of 300 mg/kg/day (about 12 times the usual human dose) showed no evidence of treatment-related fetal malformations, but maternotoxicity and an increase in fetal resorptions were noted. An oral dose of 30 mg/kg/day (about twice the usual human dose) did not produce any adverse effects. In reproduction studies in rats at maternotoxic oral doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg/day (about 8 and 12 times the usual human dose, respectively), dystocia, and delayed parturition occurred which was accompanied by an increase in stillbirths and decreased survival in offspring during the first week postpartum. Growth and viability of surviving offspring were not affected for the remainder of the lactation period. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. TONOCARD (tocainide hcl) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Taking Tocainide While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Tocainide?

Tocainide was removed from the market in the United States in 2003 because it can cause serious and potentially fatal hematological adverse effects. Limited data indicate that rather large amounts of tocainide are excreted into breastmilk. Because of the relative lack of data concerning breastfeeding during maternal tocainide therapy and is potential toxicity, tocainide should be avoided during breastfeeding.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Tocainide was removed from the market in the United States in 2003 because it can cause serious and potentially fatal hematological adverse effects. Limited data indicate that rather large amounts of tocainide are excreted into breastmilk. Because of the relative lack of data concerning breastfeeding during maternal tocainide therapy and is potential toxicity, tocainide should be avoided during breastfeeding.

Possible effects of Tocainide on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Tocainide

None listed