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Indications

REMS


Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: HF, arrhythmias, dyspnea, edema, heart block, hypotension

EENT: dry eyes, blurred vision, dry throat

Endo: hypoglycemia

GI: constipation, dry mouth, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea

GU: urinary hesitancy, urinary retention

Neuro: fatigue, dizziness, headache

Misc: impaired temperature regulation

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

Renal Impairment

US Brand Names

Norpace, Norpace CR

Action

  • Decreases myocardial excitability and conduction velocity.
  • Has anticholinergic properties.
  • Little effect on heart rate but has a direct negative inotropic effect.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Suppression of ventricular arrhythmias.

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antiarrhythmics (class I)

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from the GI tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed to tissues

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized by the liver; 10% excreted unchanged in the feces, 50% excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-Life: 8–18 hr ( in hepatic or renal impairment).

Canadian Brand Names

Rythmodan

Time/Action Profile

(antiarrhythmic effects)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO0.5–3.5 hr2.5 hr1.5–8.5 hr
PO-CR0.5–3.5 hr4.9 hr12 hr



Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

dye-soe-PEER-a-mide