Disopyramide is used to treat or prevent dangerous arrhythmias and other heart rhythm abnormalities.
What is Disopyramide?
Disopyramide is an antiarrhythmic drug. It acts by stabilizing the heart rate in cases where it is increased or irregular.
How should Disopyramide be taken?
Disopyramide is typically administered orally in the form of capsules. It can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
Side effects associated with Disopyramide
Among the possible side effects of disopyramide include the following:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Blurry vision
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Dizziness
- Dryness of the eyes , mouth , nose , or throat
- Fatigue
- Frequent and urgent urination
- Gas
- General physical discomfort
- Headache
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
It is important to contact a doctor right away if you experience:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Chest pains
- Fainting
- Slowed, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Severe difficulty in urinating
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Edema
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Disopyramide
Disopyramide should not be taken in case of second or third degree heart block (without pacemaker block), irregular heartbeat due to congenital long QT, cardiogenic shock, or if you are taking astemizole, cisapride, class III antiarrhythmic agents, phenothiazines, pimozide , quinolone or terfenadine.
Before treatment with disopyramide, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drug or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: astemizole, beta blockers, cisapride, class III antiarrhythmic agents, dofetilide, droperidol, ketolides, macrolides, phenothiazines, pimozide, quinolone, terfendine, verapamil, ziprasidone or hydantoins
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from heart problems, diabetes, glaucoma, severe muscle weakness, abnormal levels of potassium in the blood, liver or kidney disease, bladder obstruction or prostate problems
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with disopyramide.
The drug can interfere with the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. During its use, it is best to avoid being exposed to sunlight for a longer period of time. This in turn can increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
