What is this medication for?
Disopyramide belongs to the family of medications known as antiarrhythmics. It is used to treat potentially life-threatening types of abnormal heart rhythms. It works by
making the heart beat more regularly.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Norpace® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult daily dose of disopyramide varies
between 400 mg and 800 mg taken in divided doses. If taking the
regular capsule, disopyramide dose can be divided into 4 equal doses. If taking
the extended release capsule, disopyramide can be divided into 2 equal
doses.
Children's doses are based on age and body weight as
prescribed by the doctor.
This medication may be taken with or without food.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of
the reach of children.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication regularly
and to follow the doctor's instructions exactly in order to keep a steady level
of medication in the blood. If a dose of disopyramide is missed, take it as
soon as you remember, unless the next scheduled dose is in less than 4 hours.
Otherwise, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a
missed one.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Disopyramide should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to disopyramide or any ingredients of the medication
- is in cardiogenic shock
- has heart rhythm disorders (i.e., sinoatrial, atrioventricular and intraventricular disorders of impulse conduction, and sinus node dysfunction) and does not have a pacemaker
