GENERIC NAME: DISOPYRAMIDE - ORAL (dye-so-PIR-uh-mide)
BRAND NAME(S): Norpace
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: This medication sometimes produces new irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
USES: This medication is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
HOW TO USE: This is best taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with food. Sustained-release tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them. This medication works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if the drug is stopped suddenly.
SIDE EFFECTS: Blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, breathing difficulties, rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: muscle problems (myasthenia gravis), high blood pressure, glaucoma (or a family history of glaucoma), heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, prostate or urinating problems, any allergies. Because this drug may cause dizziness, use caution performing activities requiring alertness (e.g., driving) and limit alcohol consumption. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Disopyramide is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports to date of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat) - Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm) symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and treatment of arrhythmia on MedicineNet.com.
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