Disopyramide
- What is it for
Disopyramide is used to treat a condition called
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is
thickening of the heart muscle. This results in
obstruction to blood flowing out of the heart, which
may cause breathlessness and chest discomfort during
exertion.
Disopyramide slows the heart rate and makes the
heart contract less forcefully, which helps reduce
obstruction of blood flow in the heart in patients with
HCM. This may help to improve symptoms such as
breathlessness and chest discomfort. It is usually
combined with other heart medications such as a beta-
blocker (e.g. Bisoprolol, Atenolol) or a calcium channel-
blocker (e.g. Diltiazem, Verapamil).
Disopyramide
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Disopyramide
cause?
Common side effects include dry mouth and eyes, blurred vision, constipation and difficulty passing urine. Patients may also experience headache, sensation of fast heartbeat, dizziness and abdominal bloating. If you experience any of these, inform your Cardiologist in-charge who has prescribed this medication for you.
Disopyramide may affect the heart rhythm, namely the QT-interval which is monitored using an electrocardiogram (ECG). To reduce the likelihood of a severely abnormal heart rhythm, patients should avoid other medications which also prolong the QT-interval.
These include:
- Certain antibiotics & antifungal medications e.g. Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Fluconazole, Voriconazole, etc.
- Domperidone (high doses exceeding 30mg per day)
- Certain mood stabilizers e.g. Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Quetiapine, etc
What food or medicine must I avoid when I take
Disopyramide
?
- Certain antibiotics & antifungal medications e.g.
Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin,
Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin,
Fluconazole, Voriconazole, etc.
- Domperidone (high doses exceeding 30mg per day)
- Certain mood stabilizers e.g. Citalopram,
Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Quetiapine, etc
Disopyramide
- Dosage and How to Use
How should
Disopyramide
be used?
Disopyramide is available as a 100mg capsule. Follow
the dosing instructions given by your Cardiologist. Take
this medication before food, on an empty stomach.
Disopyramide
- Additional Information
You are strongly advised to inform the
Cardiologist/Doctor or Pharmacist that you are taking
Disopyramide, so that they can ensure that your
combination of medications is safe for you.
