Disopyramide (By mouth)

Introduction

Disopyramide (dye-soe-PIR-a-mide)

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

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.

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Brand Name(s)

Norpace CR, Norpace

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

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.