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.