Drug Name

Norpace CR (Disopyramide)

Drug Uses

Norpace CR is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms.

How to use

The dose of Norpace CR 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 norpace CR. 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

Drug Class and Mechanism

Norpace CR is an antiarrhythmic agent. Norpace CR can help the heart to return to and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Norpace CR helps to slow rapid heartbeats (tachycardia).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Leave an interval of at least 4 hours between doses of regular capsules and 6 to 8 hours between doses of extended-release capsules. Do not take double or extra doses.

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F).

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur. For women: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: - change in the amount of urine passed, or difficulty passing urine - chest pain, palpitations - confusion - cool, pale skin - difficulty breathing - fever, chills, or sore throat - headache - lightheadedness or fainting spells - muscle weakness - skin rash, itching - swelling of feet or legs - unusual weakness or tiredness - unusual weight increase - unusual hunger - yellowing of the skin or eyes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): - dizziness, drowsiness - blurred vision, dry eyes - dry mouth and throat - constipation, or less likely, diarrhea - nausea, vomiting - sexual difficulties - stomach pain or bloating

More Information

If you have any questions about Casodex, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Casodex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.