Disopyramide - Oral

Disopyramide is used to prevent or control certain types of arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heartbeat).

This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Disopyramide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Try to take it at the same time each day.

Disopyramide is available as a conventional capsule or modified-release tablet.

If you are taking the conventional capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.

If you are taking the modified-release type of tablet swallow it whole. Do not chew or crush the tablet.

Disopyramide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• cardiogenic shock (a serious sudden condition when the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs of the body)
• heart block
• severe heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
• congenital long QT syndrome (an inherited disease causing abnormally fast and erratic heartbeats)

as Disopyramide may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Disopyramide with other medicines used to treat arrhythmias (irregular or abnormal heartbeats), such as quinidine, procainamide or propranolol.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of heart failure
• other heart problems
• electrolyte imbalance (imbalance of essential minerals in the body)
• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• prostate enlargement
• inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Disopyramide to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. heart function, sugar and electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of changes in vision may also be needed.

Disopyramide may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach wind, loss of appetite, and tiredness.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• dizziness, trembling or shakiness, passing out
• chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Disopyramide with other medicines used to treat arrhythmias (irregular or abnormal heartbeats), such as quinidine, procainamide or propranolol.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for depression
• certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin
• medicines for cold or allergy e.g. astemizole, terfenadine
• certain medicines for mood disorders e.g. pimozide, thioridazine
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital
• medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir
• ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
• warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Disopyramide.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.