$Unique_ID{BRK01936}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{DISOPYRAMIDE}
$Subject{Napamide (Major)
Norpace (Searle)
Norpace CR (Searle)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Norpace*0193601.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


DISOPYRAMIDE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Napamide (Major)
     Norpace (Searle)
     Norpace CR (Searle)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antiarrhythmic
INGREDIENT:
     disopyramide
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules (100 mg and 150 mg)
     Sustained-release capsules (100 mg and 150 mg)
STORAGE:
     Disopyramide capsules should be stored at room temperature in tightly
       closed containers.

USES

     Disopyramide is used for the treatment of heart arrhythmias.
It corrects irregular heartbeats and helps to achieve a more
normal rhythm.

TREATMENT

     Disopyramide can be taken with or without food.  Check with your doctor
for a recommendation.
     Try to take disopyramide at the same time(s) each day.  This medication
works best if the amount of the drug in your bloodstream is kept at a constant
level.  It is best, therefore, to take this medication at evenly spaced
intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take it three times per
day, the doses should be spaced eight hours apart.
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose and
remember within two hours, take the missed dose as soon as possible.  If more
than two hours have passed, do not take the missed dose; just wait for your
next scheduled dose.  Do not double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain; aches and pain; blurred vision; constipation; decreased
sweating; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth, eyes, and throat; fatigue; gas;
headache; impotence; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; or vomiting.
These side effects should disappear as you adjust to the drug.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve mouth dryness, suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy or
chew sugarless gum.
     "Artificial tears" eye drops may help to relieve eye dryness.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain; depression; difficult or painful urination; enlarged, painful
breasts (in both sexes); fainting; fever; muscle pain; muscle weakness;
numbness or tingling sensations; palpitations; rash; shortness of breath; sore
throat; swelling of the feet or ankles; weight gain; or yellowing of the eyes
or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Disopyramide interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Phenytoin, rifampin, barbiturates, and glutethimide can decrease its
effectiveness.
     2. The combination of alcohol and disopyramide can lead to dizziness and
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).  You should, therefore, avoid drinking
alcoholic beverages while you are taking this medication.
     3. The concurrent use of disopyramide and beta blockers (acebutolol,
atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol,
penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol) can have additive negative effects
on the heart.
     4. Disopyramide may interact with verapamil.
     Before starting to take disopyramide, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to disopyramide.  Tell your doctor if you now have
or if you have ever had glaucoma, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels),
hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels), kidney disease, liver disease,
myasthenia gravis, urinary retention, or an enlarged prostate gland.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy or blurs your vision, do not
take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or
operating potentially dangerous equipment.
     * This medication can decrease sweating and heat release from the body.
You should, therefore, avoid getting overheated by strenuous exercise in hot
weather and should avoid taking hot baths, showers, and saunas.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Disopyramide can cause hypoglycemia.  Signs of hypoglycemia include
anxiety, chills, pale skin, headache, hunger, nausea, nervousness, shakiness,
sweating, and weakness.  If you experience this reaction, eat or drink
something containing sugar, and CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  It is
known that disopyramide passes into breast milk.  If you are breast-feeding an
infant while being treated with this medication, tell your doctor.  Unless
directed to do otherwise, breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment
with this medication.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
