Disopyramide
Disopyramide is a Class Ia antiarrhythmic medication used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, including supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. It works by blocking sodium channels in the heart, which slows electrical conduction and helps restore normal heart rhythm. This medication is typically prescribed when other treatments have not been effective or are contraindicated.
Disopyramide is an antiarrhythmic drug used to treat abnormal heart rhythms by slowing electrical conduction in the heart.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01BA03
- RxNorm
- 3541
- Generic
- Disopyramide
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Norpace
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 6mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily or divided every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
all trimestersavoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
monitor infant for adverse effects or consider alternative
observe infant for sedation, irritability, anticholinergic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65reduce dose, start low
start at lower end of dose range, monitor for anticholinergic effects
regular assessment of cognitive function, fall risk, cardiac function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
not indicated for pediatric use
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
all stagesreduce dose based on renal function
adjust dose according to creatinine clearance, monitor serum levels
regular serum drug level monitoring and renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
all stagesreduce dose
use lower doses, monitor drug levels
regular hepatic function tests and drug level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approved Disopyramide in 1977
Drug class
Vaughan-Williams classification system
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic action
Treatment of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, particularly when other antiarrhythmic medications are ineffective or contraindicated.
Disopyramide is a Class Ia antiarrhythmic that blocks sodium channels in cardiac tissue. This action slows the rate of electrical impulse conduction through the heart, prolongs the refractory period (time the heart muscle needs to reset), and helps maintain a regular heartbeat rhythm.
Disopyramide has significant anticholinergic effects and can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention. It may worsen heart failure and cause low blood pressure. Due to its negative inotropic effects (reducing heart muscle contraction), it requires careful monitoring. Patients should not discontinue this medication abruptly and should be aware of potential drug interactions with other cardiac medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy