Norpace
Generic Name: disopyramide (dye soe PEER a mide)
Brand Names: Norpace, Norpace CR
What is the most important information I should know about disopyramide?
Do not skip doses or change your dosing schedule without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition much worse. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Disopyramide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Do not crush, chew, or break any controlled-release (CR) forms of disopyramide. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.
What is disopyramide?
Disopyramide affects the way that your heart beats.
Disopyramide is used to treat seriously irregular heartbeat patterns.
Disopyramide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking disopyramide?
Before taking disopyramide, tell your doctor if you have
- any other type of heart disease or heart problem,
- liver disease,
- kidney disease,
- difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate,
- glaucoma, or
- myasthenia gravis.
You may not be able to take disopyramide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Disopyramide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether disopyramide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Disopyramide passes into breast milk. It is not known whether disopyramide will affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take disopyramide?
Take disopyramide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break any controlled-release (CR) forms of disopyramide. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body. Do not skip doses or change your dosing schedule without talking to your doctor. Changing your schedule could make your condition much worse. Store disopyramide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Try not to miss any doses of this medication. Missing doses could be very dangerous.
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a disopyramide overdose include dry mouth and eyes, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, dizziness, worsening irregular heartbeats, loss of consciousness, and death.
What should I avoid while taking disopyramide?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Disopyramide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase side effects while you are taking disopyramide. Follow any other special instructions given by your doctor regarding food, beverages, and activities.
What are the possible side effects of disopyramide?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking disopyramide and seek emergency medical attention
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- a new or a worsening irregular heartbeat pattern;
- chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or swelling of your legs or feet; or
- severe dizziness
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience
- mild dizziness or tiredness,
- headache,
- blurred vision,
- dry mouth,
- rash, itching,
- muscle aches or pains, or
- difficulty urinating
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other medications can interact with disopyramide? Prior to taking disopyramide, inform your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
- Other antiarrhythmic drugs like quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinora), amiodarone (Cordarone), bepridil (Vascor), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan, Procanbid), and others.
- Beta-blockers such as acebutolol (Sectral), propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), pindolol (Visken), nadolol (Corgard), and others.
- Antibiotics like erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab) or clarithromycin (Biaxin).
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics grepafloxacin (Raxar) or sparfloxacin (Zagam).
- Antiepileptic drugs phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal).
- Gastrointestinal motility agents cisapride (Propulsid).
- Antituberculosis medication rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin).
- Anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin).
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about disopyramide written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Disopyramide, available as Norpace with a prescription, comes in various forms. Consult your pharmacist, especially if it’s new to you.
- Norpace 100 mg: white/orange capsules
- Norpace 150 mg: brown/orange capsules
- Norpace CR 100 mg: white/light-green capsules
- Norpace CR 150 mg: brown/light-green capsules
Remember to store medications safely away from children, avoid sharing them, and only use as prescribed. While efforts are made to provide accurate information, consult healthcare professionals for specific concerns.