Disopyramide (Systemic)

Brand Names : Norpace, Norpace CR, Rythmodan, Rythmodan-LA

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take disopyramide exactly as directed by your doctor even though you may feel well. Do not take more medicine than ordered.

For patients taking the extended-release capsules :

• Swallow the capsule whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing.

For patients taking the extended-release tablets :

• Do not crush or chew the tablet.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night . For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced about 6 hours apart. If this interferes with your sleep or other daily activities, or if you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

Dosing - The dose of disopyramide will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of disopyramide. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets or capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For treatment of arrhythmias:
  • For short-acting oral dosage form (capsules):
    • Adults - 100 to 150 mg taken every six to eight hours.
    • Children - Dose is based on body weight and age and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 6 to 30 mg per kilogram (kg) (2.73 to 13.64 mg per pound) of body weight per day. This dose is evenly divided and taken every six hours.
  • For long-acting oral dosage forms (extended-release capsules or tablets):
    • Adults - 200 or 400 mg every twelve hours.
    • Children - Use is not recommended.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible unless the next scheduled dose is in less than 4 hours . If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.