Disopyramide


DNX0392.HTM

Disopyramide (By mouth)
Disopyramide (dye-soe-PEER-a-mide)

Treats irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias). Belongs to a class of drugs called antiarrhythmics.

Brand Name(s):Norpace CR, Norpace
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to disopyramide in the past.

How to Use This Medicine:
Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
  • Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered, even if you feel fine.
  • May be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet or extended-release capsule whole - do not break, chew, or crush.
  • You may need to carry identification that says you are taking disopyramide. Ask you doctor about this.

If a dose is missed:

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible unless your next regular dose is less than 4 hours away.
  • If it is less than 4 hours until your next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed.
  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines: other heart medicines such as Procan®, Quinidex®, Lanoxin®, Cordarone®, or Inderal®, phenytoin (Dilantin®), or pimozide (Orap®).
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Check with your doctor before taking if you have kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, trouble urinating, diabetes, or myasthenia gravis.
  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking disopyramide before having any kind of surgery.
  • Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor.
  • Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • While taking this medicine, avoid becoming overheated during hot weather or exercising.
  • Standing-up slowly from a sitting or lying position can lessen the chance of getting dizzy.
  • Disopyramide may make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Blurred vision
  • Trouble urinating
  • Fever, chills, or sore throat
  • Skin rash, severe itching or hives
  • Swelling of the legs and feet or weight gain
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
  • Headache, nervousness, or confusion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dry mouth or throat
  • Constipation, bloating, gas
  • Stomach cramps or loss of appetite
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Decreased sexual ability or interest

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.