3. Disopyramide

Disopyramide

  • Disopyramide controls uneven beating of the heart.
  • It may make you feel dizzy or light-headed at first. Other side-effects include dry mouth and blurred sight.
  • If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood sugar more regularly.
Type of medicine Anti-arrhythmic
Used for Irregular heartbeats
Also called Rythmodan®, Rythmodan Retard®
Available as Capsules, modified-release tablets and injection

Disopyramide is used to treat arrhythmias within the heart. An arrhythmia is an irregularity in the heartbeat which causes the heart to skip a beat, beat irregularly, beat very fast or very slow.

Disopyramide works by correcting irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm and by slowing an overactive heart, especially after a heart attack.

Before taking disopyramide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have kidney or liver problems.
  • If you have heart problems other than unusual heartbeats.
  • If you have glaucoma (raised pressure in the eyes).
  • If you have difficulty passing urine or know you have an enlarged prostate gland.
  • If you have low blood pressure.
  • If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Always take disopyramide exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water.
  • If you have been given the modified-release tablets, swallow these whole; do not chew the tablets.
  • Try to take disopyramide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be checked.
  • If you have diabetes it is important to check your blood sugar levels regularly as disopyramide can cause low blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include: excessive hunger, cold sweats, sickness, shakiness. If you think that this may be a problem, eat or drink a food containing sugar and contact your doctor.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome:

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling faint, light-headed or dizzy especially when standing up Getting up or moving more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down for a few minutes so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum or sweets
Blurred or double vision Make sure your vision is normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which would be dangerous if you are not able to see clearly
Feeling sick, loss of appetite Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Difficulty passing urine Let your doctor know if this becomes a problem

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
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Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Rythmodan® 100 mg Capsules; Manufacturer's PIL, Rythmodan® 100 mg Capsules, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2008, accessed March 2010.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Rythmodan Retard®; Manufacturer's PIL, Rythmodan Retard®, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2009, accessed March 2010.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version:
Last Checked: 21/10/2010 Document ID: 3264  Version: 22 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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