Norpace

What is Norpace?

Norpace affects the way that your heart beats.

Norpace is used to treat life-threatening irregular heartbeat patterns.

Norpace may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

You should not use Norpace if you have long QT syndrome, or a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker).

Do not use Norpace to treat any heart rhythm disorder that has not been checked and diagnosed by your doctor.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Norpace if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• long QT syndrome; or

• a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker).

Do not use Norpace to treat any heart rhythm disorder that has not been checked and diagnosed by your doctor.

To make sure Norpace is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• other heart rhythm disorders ("sick sinus syndrome", bundle branch block, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome);

• congestive heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack;

• low blood pressure;

• low potassium levels in your blood (hypokalemia);

• low blood sugar, or diabetes;

• liver or kidney disease;

• enlarged prostate, bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

• glaucoma;

• myasthenia gravis; or

• if you are malnourished.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Norpace will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Norpace.

Disopyramide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Norpace?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your doctor may want to give your first dose of this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole.

Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

Do not skip doses or change your dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Sudden changes in the way you take Norpace can make your condition worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Norpace can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include trouble breathing, irregular heartbeats, and loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while taking disopyramide?

Norpace may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of disopyramide.

Norpace side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a new or a worsening irregular heartbeat pattern;

• little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; or

• low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery).

Serious side effects such as heart failure or kidney problems may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• nausea, stomach pain, bloating;

• constipation;

• dry eyes, blurred vision;

• headache, tiredness, general ill feeling; or

• muscle pain or weakness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Norpace?

Many drugs can interact with Norpace. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using, especially:

• ketoconazole;

• an antibiotic--clarithromycin, erythromycin; or

• other heart rhythm medicines--encainide, flecainide, propranolol, propafenone, quinidine.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with Norpace. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.