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

Treats heart rhythm problems.

Brand Name(s):

Norpace, Norpace CR

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Long Acting Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how disopyramide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Clarithromycin, erythromycin, oleandomycin, phenytoin
  • Blood pressure medicine (including beta-blockers)
  • Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including quinidine, procainamide, lidocaine, propranolol)
• If you are taking verapamil, take it 48 hours after or 24 hours before taking disopyramide.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, trouble urinating, diabetes, heart rhythm problems, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or myasthenia gravis.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of heart failure
  • Heart rhythm problem, including QT prolongation
  • Changes in blood sugar levels
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor, or you could develop life-threatening heart problems.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain that may spread, nausea, trouble breathing, unusual sweating
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, hunger, confusion
• Slow, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, stomach upset
• Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• Dry mouth

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