Disopyramide capsules or extended-release capsules

What are disopyramide capsules?

DISOPYRAMIDE (Norpace®) is an antiarrhythmic agent. Disopyramide can help the heart to return to and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Disopyramide helps to slow rapid heartbeats (tachycardia). Generic disopyramide capsules are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take disopyramide?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• abnormal levels of potassium in the blood

• bladder obstruction

• diabetes

• glaucoma

• heart disease or problems other than rhythm and heart rate problems

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• myasthenia gravis

• prostate trouble

• an unusual or allergic reaction to disopyramide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take disopyramide capsules or extended-release capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water; do not suck or chew the extended-release capsules. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Leave an interval of at least 4 hours between doses of regular capsules and 6 to 8 hours between doses of extended-release capsules. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with disopyramide?

• arsenic trioxide

• astemizole

• bepridil

• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems

• bosentan

• certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin)

• cisapride

• cyclobenzaprine

• ginger

• hawthorn

• lidocaine

• medicines for colds or breathing difficulties (including asthma)

• medicines for mental depression such as tricyclic antidepressants

• medicines for anxiety, mental problems or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems

• medicines for seizures such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine

• medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, digoxin, dofetilide, sotalol, procainamide, quinidine)

• mexiletine

• pimozide

• potassium salts

• probucol

• rifampin

• ritonavir

• sevelamer

• terfenadine

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking disopyramide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking disopyramide suddenly; this may cause serious, heart-related side effects.

Check your heart rate (pulse) and blood pressure regularly while you are taking disopyramide. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Your prescriber or health care professional also may schedule regular blood tests and electrocardiograms to check your progress.

You may feel dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how disopyramide affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help.

Disopyramide may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Be careful in hot weather. Disopyramide can reduce sweating and lower your tolerance to heat.

Disopyramide may affect your blood sugar level. Check with your prescriber or health care professional, especially if you have congestive heart disease or diabetes.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking disopyramide.

What side effects may I notice from taking disopyramide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• change in the amount of urine passed, or difficulty passing urine

• chest pain, palpitations

• confusion

• cool, pale skin

• difficulty breathing

• fever, chills, or sore throat

• headache

• lightheadedness or fainting spells

• muscle weakness

• skin rash, itching

• swelling of feet or legs

• unusual weakness or tiredness

• unusual weight increase

• unusual hunger

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness, drowsiness

• blurred vision, dry eyes

• dry mouth and throat

• constipation, or less likely, diarrhea

• nausea, vomiting

• sexual difficulties

• stomach pain or bloating

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.