Disopyramide

Generic Name : Disopyramide

TradeName : Norpace, Regubeat

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Disopyramide is used to treat irregular heartbeat. It relaxes an overactive heart and improves the effeciency of the heart's pumping action.

When it is to be taken : Disopyramide usually is taken every six or 12 hours. Follow the instruction on your prescription label. It is important that you take disopyramide regularly on the exact schedule prescribed for you, even if you must awaken during the night to take it. Do not skip doses because irregular heartbeats may develop.

How it should be taken : Disopyramide comes in the form of regular capsules and extended-release or long-acting capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor so your response to this drug can be determined. You probable will have an electrocardiogram
done periodically.
2. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Be sure that you have enough medication on hand at all times.
3. Follow your doctor’s advice on diet (including alcoholic beverages).
4. If you take disopyramide every 12 hours and remember a missed dose less than six hours before your next scheduled dose, take it immediately but skip your next scheduled dose; then resume your regular schedule. However, if you remember the missed dose more than six hours before you next schedule dose, take it immediately and resume your regular schedule. Similarly, if you take disopyramide every six hours and remember a missed dose less than three hours before your next scheduled dose, take it immediately but skip your next scheduled dose; then resume your regular schedule. However, if you remember the missed dose more than three hours before your next scheduled dose, take it immediately and resume your regular schedule.

Side Effects :
1. Dry mouth. Chew sugarless gum, suck sugarless hard candies or lozenges, or drink fluids.
2. Dry nose and eyes, constipation, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, impotence, dizziness, weakness, aches and pains, faintness. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist or are severe.
3. Weight gain, swelling of feet and lower legs, chest pain, frequent or difficult urination. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
2. Before taking disopyramide, tell your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis; high blood pressure; glaucoma; heart, liver, kidney, or prostate disease; or difficulty urinating.
3. Before you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially Phenobarbital, phenytoin, procainamide, propranolol, quinidine, and warfarin.
4. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.