Disopyramide Phosphate Oral capsule Health Article

Generic name(s):

Disopyramide Phosphate Oral capsule

Brand name(s):

Disopyramide CR, Disopyramide Phosphate, Norpace, Norpace CR

What is this medicine?

DISOPYRAMIDE (dye soe PEER a mide) is an antiarrhythmic drug. It helps make your heart beat regularly. This medicine also helps to slow rapid heartbeats.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• diabetes
• difficulty passing urine
• glaucoma
• heart disease or previous heart attack
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• malnutrition
• myasthenia gravis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to disopyramide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This may cause serious, heart-related side effects. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• amoxapine
• apomorphine
• arsenic trioxide
• certain medicines for HIV or AIDS
• cisapride
• droperidol
• haloperidol
• hawthorn
• levomethadyl
• macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin
• maprotiline
• medicines for mental depression such as tricyclic antidepressants
• medicines to treat or prevent malaria like chloroquine or halofantrine
• methadone
• other medicines to control heart rhythm
• pentamidine
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, and thioridazine
• pimozide
• ranolazine
• sertindole
• tacrolimus
• vardenafil
• verapamil
• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• medicines for seizures such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or carbamazepine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.