Disopyramide



NorpaceŽ; NorpaceŽ CR







Disopyramide

(dye soe PEER a mide)

U.S. Brand Names
NorpaceŽ; NorpaceŽ CR
Canadian Brand Names
NorpaceŽ; RythmodanŽ; RythmodanŽ-LA
Pharmacologic Category
Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class Ia
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to disopyramide or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have poor electrical activity in the heart without a working pacemaker.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a fast heartbeat.
How does it work?
  • Disopyramide tries to normalize the fast heartbeats by slowing the current through the heart.
How is it best taken?
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
  • If you have prostate disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling.
  • Severe headache.
  • Significant weight gain.
  • Unable to pass urine.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: