|
Common brand names: Norpace, Norpace CR
Why is this drug prescribed?
Disopyramide is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). It relaxes
an overactive heart and improves the efficiency of the heart's pumping action.
How and when should disopyramide be used?
Disopyramide is available in immediate-acting capsules and extended-release
(long-acting) capsules. Immediate-acting disopyramide may be taken three or four
times a day, while the long-acting formulation is usually taken twice a day. Do
not cut, crush, or chew the extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.
Follow all the instructions on the label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. It is important that
you take disopyramide regularly on the exact schedule prescribed for you, even
if you have to wake up during the night to take it. Do not skip doses because
irregular heartbeats might develop.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to disopyramide or any
other medicine.
- Before disopyramide is prescribed, tell your health care provider if you
are taking vitamins, herbals, dietary supplements, and other prescription and
non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines, especially if you are
taking medicines to control blood pressure or heart disease, eye drops,
potassium supplements, or seizure medicines.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant,
become pregnant while on this drug, or are breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had congestive heart failure,
high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, myasthenia
gravis, urinary retention, or benign prostatic hypertrophy.
- Cigarette smoking and consumption of beverages containing caffeine
might
cause irritability of your heart and interfere with the action of disopyramide.
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so your response
to the drug can be monitored. You will probably have an EKG
(electrocardiogram) done periodically to monitor your heartbeat.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's advice on diet, including alcoholic beverages.
- Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this
drug affects you.
- Use care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather. This
medicine often makes you sweat less, which can result in heat stroke.
- Tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking disopyramide if you are
having surgery, including dental surgery.
- Be sure you have enough of this medicine on hand with you. Check your
supply before vacations and other occasions when you might not be able to
obtain it.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible unless
the next schedules dose is in less than four hours. If the next scheduled dose is
in less than four hours, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What are the common side effects? What can I do about them?
Although side effects from disopyramide are not common, they can occur. Some
side effects might include:
- Dry mouth and throat
Suck sugarless hard candy or lozenges. Chew sugarless gum or drink
fluids.
- Dry nose and eyes
- Constipation
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
Standing up slowly from a sitting or lying position can lessen the chance
of getting dizzy.
- Weakness, aches and pains
- Decreased sexual ability or interest
Contact your doctor if symptoms are persistent or severe.
- Weight gain
- Swelling of feet and lower legs
- Chest pain
- Frequent or difficult urination
Contact your doctor.
If signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) occur
|
