Do you sometimes feel like your heart is beating too fast, or like it's beating out of rhythm? Disopyramide is a special medication that doctors prescribe to treat conditions like this called arrhythmia. If you've been prescribed this medication, it's important to know exactly what it is. So let's talk about it today.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Disopyramide is a drug that controls the heart's rhythm. Medically speaking, this is a drug that belongs to the ``antiarrhythmic'' category. Our heart beats with a very delicate electrical signal system. Sometimes, the activity of this signal system can increase too much. That's when the heart beats faster, or the rhythm becomes disturbed. So, what Disopyramide does is control these overactive electrical signals in the heart and bring the heart rate back to a stable, correct rhythm.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Disopyramide, your doctor will want to know your complete health history. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have diabetes .
- If you have difficulty urinating.
- If you have glaucoma, a disease in which pressure in the eyes increases.
- Other heart diseases, especially if you have had a previous heart attack.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- If blood pressure is low.
- If you are suffering from malnutrition.
- If you have a condition called myasthenia gravis, which causes muscle weakness.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to disopyramide or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your baby.
Do not hide this information from your doctor, as this information is very important in deciding whether this medication is right for you or not, and if so, what dosage to give.
How should I use the medicine?
Keep these points in mind when using this medicine.
- Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water.
- Take the prescribed dose exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the prescribed time. Don't rush things like taking a double dose.
- The most important thing is not to stop taking this medication suddenly. Doing so can cause serious heart-related side effects. If you need to stop taking the medication, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dosage.
- If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share your medicine with others.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes, Disopyramide can interact with some other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins).
| Drugs that should never be taken with Disopyramide | |
|---|---|
| Drug type | Examples |
| Some antiviral drugs used for HIV/AIDS | (Antivirals for HIV or AIDS) |
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Pentamidine |
| Some medications taken for depression | Amoxapine, Maprotiline |
| Some medications taken for fungal infections | Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole |
| Other medications for heart rhythm | Dronedarone, Ranolazine, Verapamil |
| Other medications | Cisapride, Droperidol, Haloperidol, Methadone, Pimozide, Tacrolimus |
Other drugs that may interact:
- Some medications for high blood pressure or heart disease (e.g., beta-blockers)
- Medicines for seizures (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)
- Other drugs that affect the electrical activity of the heart (drugs that affect the QT interval)
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
- Regular check-ups: Be sure to go to your doctor's appointments. He or she may also order tests like an ECG to check your progress.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid dangerous activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not get up suddenly from a sitting position or from bed. Wait a while and then get up slowly.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth can occur with this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water may help.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Your eyes may feel dry and your vision may be slightly blurry. This may be uncomfortable if you wear contact lenses. Ask your doctor about using lubricating drops.
- Beware of excessive heat: This medicine may reduce sweating. Therefore, be careful of excessive heat. Otherwise, your body temperature may rise dangerously and you may develop heat stroke.
- For people with diabetes: This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing your diet or the dose of your diabetes medication.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Disopyramide can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, feeling unusually tired. |
| Changes in heart rhythm | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | Tremors, sweating, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, confusion. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or not urinating at all. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Digestive system problems | Bloating, constipation, flatulence, nausea, stomach pain. |
| Other | Dry mouth, dry eyes, headache, changes in sexual function. |
Take-Home Message
- Disopyramide is an important medication that controls irregular heart rhythms. Always take the exact dose and time prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly for any reason without medical advice.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if serious side effects (chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting) occur.
- Store this medicine safely at room temperature, out of the reach of children.
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