Norpace (Disopyramide)

Do’s

• Take Norpace exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, with or without food.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage and frequency.
• Immediate-release: Take as directed by your healthcare provider, typically 4 times daily.
• Extended-release: Take as directed by your healthcare provider, typically twice daily.
• Swallow extended-release capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them to avoid a burst of side effects.
• Take Norpace consistently at the same times each day for the best results.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your heart condition improves to see if a lower dose is possible.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your heart condition worsens or persists.

Don'ts

• Don't crush, chew, or break regular Norpace tablets. Swallow them whole.
• Don't skip doses or stop taking Norpace without talking to your healthcare provider first.
• Don't take more Norpace than prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity)

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Serious allergic reactions, such as hives or rapid heartbeat
• Severe skin reactions, including severe sunburn, blisters, or swelling of the skin due to photosensitivity
• Tendon-related issues, such as swelling or tearing of tendons
• Nerve damage, which may cause permanent nerve damage
• Serious heart rhythm changes, such as QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes
• Other serious side effects that can happen at the same time and could result in death
• Heart failure or kidney problems, which may be more likely in older adults
• Symptoms of low blood sugar, signs of liver problems, muscle weakness, and worsening symptoms

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Norpace,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies before taking Norpace.

Tell your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, especially diabetes, glaucoma, kidney disease, liver problems, myasthenia gravis, or urinary problems.

Norpace may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Norpace, before surgery.

Norpace may affect heart rhythm. Tell your healthcare provider about any heart conditions or medications that can affect heart rhythm, and also about low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood.

Norpace may cause low blood sugar, especially in certain conditions. Be aware of symptoms and tell your healthcare provider if you experience them. Your diabetes treatment plan may need to be adjusted.

Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects of Norpace.

Norpace should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Norpace passes into breast milk, so consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Rarely, Norpace may cause a new irregular heartbeat. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider, especially when starting treatment.

Norpace can interact with other medications, including some heart medications, antibiotics, and antifungals. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take before starting Norpace.