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disopyramide - oral, Norpace

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GENERIC NAME: DISOPYRAMIDE - ORAL (dye-soe-PIR-a-mide)

BRAND NAME(S): Norpace

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Though this medication often gives great benefits to people with irregular heartbeat, it may infrequently cause a serious new irregular heartbeat. Therefore, when starting treatment with this drug, your doctor may recommend that you stay in the hospital for proper monitoring and emergency medical treatment if needed. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this medication.

USES: This medication is used to treat certain types of serious (possibly fatal) irregular heartbeat, such as persistent ventricular tachycardia. It is used to restore normal heart rhythm and maintain a regular, steady heartbeat. Disopyramide is known as an anti-arrhythmic drug. It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. Treating an irregular heartbeat can decrease the risk for blood clots, and this effect can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking the immediate-release form, you will usually take it 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor.If you are taking the extended-release form, you will usually take it twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Swallow extended-release capsules whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.Dosage is based on your age, kidney and liver function, medical condition, and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Dry mouth, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain/gas/bloating, blurred vision, dry nose/eyes/throat, and urination problems (such as difficulty urinating or unusual frequent urge to urinate) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: symptoms of low blood sugar (such as shakiness with unusual hunger/headache/sweating), signs of liver problems (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), muscle weakness, worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as ankle/leg swelling, increased tiredness, increased shortness of breath when lying down).Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fainting, faster/more irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.