Arakoda and Disopyramide Phosphate

• Generic Name: tafenoquine
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated
• Other Brand Names: Arakoda, Krintafel

Arakoda (tafenoquine) is an anti-malaria medicine that works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body.

Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.

Arakoda is used to treat malaria in people who are also using other anti-malaria medications.

Arakoda is for use in people 18 years of age and older. It is not known if Arakoda is safe and effective in children.

• Generic Name: disopyramide
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Norpace, Norpace CR

Precise role in antiarrhythmic therapy has not been established. Some experts recommend that disopyramide be reserved for use as an alternative drug when lidocaine, quinidine, or procainamide is ineffective or adverse effects of these drugs are intolerable.

Limited information is available on combination therapy with other antiarrhythmic drugs such as lidocaine, quinidine, or procainamide to treat or prevent serious, refractory arrhythmias.

Suppression and prevention of recurrent life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., sustained VT). (See Boxed Warning.)

Because of disopyramide’s arrhythmogenic potential and lack of evidence for improved survival for class I antiarrhythmic agents, use for less severe arrhythmias is not recommended.

Avoid treatment of asymptomatic VPCs.

Has been used to convert atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia to normal sinus rhythm. However, other antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., dofetilide, flecainide, ibutilide, propafenone, amiodarone) are preferred.