Norbit

Introduction
Norbit is a medicine used to treat arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). It restores normal heart rhythm by blocking abnormal electrical signals in the heart. This helps to maintain a regular and steady heartbeat. Norbit should be taken regularly as advised by the doctor. You may take it without food but it is better to take this medicine at a fixed time. This medicine should not be stopped abruptly without consulting the doctor as this can worsen your condition. Regular follow-up with your doctor is advised while using this medicine. Side effects like constipation, dryness in mouth, urinary retention and blurred vision may be seen in some patients. This medicine may also lead to worsening of heart function and low blood pressure in patients with pre-existing heart disease. Your doctor may advise for regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and kidney function while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may not be suitable for some people. You must inform the doctor if you are suffering from any heart, liver or kidney disease. Also, let your doctor know about all the other medications that you are using regularly. This medicine is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so always consult your doctor before taking it.

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Uses of Norbit
Arrhythmia
Side effects of Norbit
Common
Blurred vision
Worsening of pre-existing glaucoma
Constipation
Dryness in mouth
Urinary retention
How to use Norbit
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Norbit is to be taken empty stomach.
How Norbit works
Norbit is an anti-arrhythmic medication. It works by blocking abnormal electrical signals in the heart to correct irregular heartbeat to a normal rhythm.
What if you forget to take Norbit?
If you miss a dose of Norbit, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick Tips
It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or perform activities require mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Do not start any medicine including prescription or over-the-counter medicines without informing your doctor, as they may alter Norbit levels in your body.
Your doctor may get blood tests done to check your sodium and potassium levels, kidney function, and lung function before starting treatment with this medicine.
Your doctor may regularly monitor blood sugar level while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you experience slow or fast heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Do not stop taking medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Brief Description
Indication
Ventricular tachycardia, Supraventricular arrhythmias,Ventricular arrhythmias
Adult Dose
Oral Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias Adult: 300-800 mg daily in divided doses (as conventional capsules every 6 hr), adjusted according to patient’s response. Hepatic impairment: 400 mg daily in divided doses. Liver cirrhosis: consider a therapeutic range 50% lower than in patients with normal hepatic function.

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Child Dose
Oral Ventricular Arrhythmias <1 year old: 10-30 mg/kg/day divided q6hr PO 1-4 years old: 10-20 mg/kg/day divided q6hr PO 4-12 years old: 10-15 mg/kg/day divided q6hr PO 12-18 years old: 6-15 mg/kg/day divided q6hr PO _ Renal Dose Renal impairment: CrCl (ml/min) >40 400 mg daily in divided doses. 30-40 100 mg every 8 hr; avoid modified release preparations. 15-30 100 mg every 12 hr; avoid modified release preparations. <15 100 mg every 24 hr; avoid modified release preparations. _ Contraindication Patients with complete heart block; glaucoma; predisposition to urinary retention; myasthenia gravis. Sinus node disease in absence of pacemaker. Cardiomyopathy. Cardiogenic shock. Hypotension. Hypersensitivity. Children. Mode of Action 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. Precaution Conduction disorders or uncompensated heart failure. Pregnancy and lactation. Renal and hepatic failure. Family history of glaucoma. Correct potassium deficiency. Lactation: crosses into breast milk, discontinue drug or do not nurse _ Side Effect >10% Xerostomia (32%),Urinary hesitancy (23%),Constipation (11%) 1-10% Impotence,Urinary urgency,Urinary retention,Dry throat,Weight gain,Abdominal distension,Flatulence,Anorexia,Vomiting,Nausea,Dermatoses,Pruritus,Generalized rash,Increased triglycerides and cholesterol,Hypokalemia,Muscle weakness,Muscular pain,Dyspnea,Blurred vision,Dry eyes,Fatigue,Malaise,Headache,Dizziness,Nervousness,Syncope,Hypotension,Chest pain,Edema <1% AV block,Hypoglycemia (rare),Agranulocytosis,Respiratory distress,Creatinine increased,Psychotic reaction,Paresthesia,Lupus (rare),Peripheral neuropathy,Insomnia Potentially Fatal: Urinary retention, severe cardiovascular depression if given as rapid IV inj. High risk of recurrence of failure in patients with history of congestive cardiac failure. Negative inotropic effect especially prominent in patients with cardiomyopathy, hypertension and uncompensated cardiac failure. _ Interaction Avoid other Class I antiarrhythmics and other cardiac depressants including beta-blockers except in life-threatening arrhythmias. Risk of worsening of arrhythmias, precipitation of new arrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation when used with other anti-arrhythmics. Reduced efficacy when co-admin with phenytoin. Potentially Fatal: Enhanced antimuscarinic effects with other antimuscarinic drugs. Potentiates negative chronotropic and inotropic effects of ?-blockers and verapamil. Potentiates inhibitory effect on the conduction system produced by digitalis. Potentiates QT interval prolongation produced by TCAs and amiodarone. _