Generic
Disopyramide
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Disopyramide is an anti-arrhythmic medication used to correct irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
Description
Disopyramide is a Ia antiarrhythmic agent which acts by decreasing myocardial excitability and conduction velocity. It lengthens the effective refractory period of the atrium. It also possesses antimuscarinic and negative inotropic effects.
Indications
- Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias
Therapeutic class
Anti-arrhythmic drugs
Pharmacological class
Class Ia Antiarrhythmic
Pharmacology
Disopyramide is a Ia antiarrhythmic agent which acts by decreasing myocardial excitability and conduction velocity. It lengthens the effective refractory period of the atrium. It also possesses antimuscarinic and negative inotropic effects.
Mechanism of action
Disopyramide blocks abnormal electrical signals in the heart to restore normal heartbeat.
Dosage
Adult (Oral): 300-800 mg daily in divided doses (every 6 hours), adjusted according to response.
Child (<1 year): 10-30 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours.
Child (1-4 years): 10-20 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours.
Child (4-12 years): 10-15 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours.
Child (12-18 years): 6-15 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours.
Administration
Take on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Disopyramide, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common: Blurred vision, worsening of pre-existing glaucoma, constipation, dry mouth, urinary retention.
Other: Dizziness, drowsiness, arrhythmia, hypotension, worsening of cardiac function.
Precautions & warnings
May affect driving ability (dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness). Caution in glaucoma, predisposition to urinary retention, myasthenia gravis, complete heart block. Do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor.
Contraindications
Complete heart block; glaucoma; predisposition to urinary retention; myasthenia gravis; sinus node disease (without pacemaker); cardiomyopathy; cardiogenic shock; hypotension; hypersensitivity; children.
Drug interactions
Other Class I antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers: Risk of worsening arrhythmias.
Phenytoin: Reduced efficacy.
Antimuscarinic drugs: Potentially fatal effects enhanced.
Beta-blockers, verapamil: Negative chronotropic and inotropic effects potentiated.
Digitalis: Inhibitory effect on conduction system potentiated.
TCAs, amiodarone: QT prolongation potentiated.
Food interactions
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Disopyramide. Please consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Disopyramide may be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Probably safe during breastfeeding; limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dosing is age and weight-based.
Geriatric use
No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be needed.
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause antimuscarinic effects (dry mouth, dilated pupils), arrhythmia, hypotension, heart failure.
Storage conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture.
Chemical structure
Disopyramide