CHF and arrhythmias:

Indications for: NORPACE

Documented life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

Adult Dosage:

400–800mg daily in 4 divided doses every 6hrs. For rapid control of ventricular arrhythmias, consider loading dose of 300mg (200mg if body weight <110 lbs). Renal dysfunction, cardiac decompensation, or body wt <110 lbs: see full labeling.

Children Dosage:

Initiate in hospital. Give as divided doses every 6hrs: <1yr: 10–30mg/kg per day; 1–4yrs: 10–20mg/kg per day. 4–12yrs: 10–15mg/kg per day. 12–18yrs: 6–15mg/kg per day.

NORPACE Contraindications:

Cardiogenic shock. 2nd- or 3rd- degree AV block, unless paced. Congenital QT prolongation. Severe renal insufficiency (CrCl ≤40mL/min): CR form not recommended.

Boxed Warning:

Mortality.

NORPACE Warnings/Precautions:

Excessive mortality or non-fatal cardiac arrest rate was seen in CAST trial. Correct potassium imbalance before starting. Discontinue if hypotension or CHF worsening occurs; if needed, restart at lower dose after cardiac compensation established. Reduce dose in 1st-degree AV block, consider discontinuing if persistent. Monitor closely or discontinue if QT prolongation or QRS widening occurs. Atrial tachyarrhythmias: digitalize first. Conduction defects. Cardiomyopathy. Renal or hepatic dysfunction. Urinary retention. BPH. Glaucoma. Myasthenia gravis. Chronic malnutrition. Elderly. Labor & delivery. Pregnancy (Cat.C): may stimulate uterine contractions. Nursing mothers: not recommended.

See Also:

NORPACE Classification:

Class I antiarrhythmic.

NORPACE Interactions:

Avoid other antiarrhythmics except in unresponsive, life-threatening arrhythmias. Avoid CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, erythromycin, clarithromycin); may result in fatal interactions. Hypoglycemia with β-blockers, alcohol. Antagonized by hepatic enzyme inducers (eg, phenytoin). Do not give within 48hrs before or 24hrs after verapamil.

Adverse Reactions:

Anticholinergic effects (eg, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision), GI upset, dizziness, fatigue, impotence, hypotension, heart failure, AV block, edema, rash, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, jaundice, blood dyscrasias, lupus-like syndrome, psychosis.

How Supplied:

Caps—100; CR—100, 500