Isoptin Sr (Verapamil)

General information

Isoptin Sr is called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Isoptin Sr is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug may also be used to treat other heart diseases: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, fast or irregular heartbeats and to prevent chest pain (angina). It also helps to normalize heart rhythms.

Directions

Take Isoptin Sr exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended starting dose for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) is 180 mg, taken once daily in the morning. If necessary, your doctor may increase your dose to better control your blood pressure. Up to 240 mg can be taken in a single dose once a day in the morning; higher doses should be split up and taken twice a day. The recommended starting dose for certain people (such as elderly people or those with liver or kidney problems) is lower - 120 mg, taken once daily in the morning.

Precautions

Before taking Isoptin Sr you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), sick sinus syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, own-Ganong-Levine syndrome, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, low blood pressure, kidney disease, kidney failure, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, Myasthenia gravis, any allergies. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Contraindications

You should not take Isoptin Sr if you are allergic to verapamil or any ingredients of this medication, or if you have a very low heart rate, certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation and an accessory bypass tract, severe low blood pressure, second- or third-degree heart block or sick sinus syndrome.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have dizziness, slow heartbeat, constipation, nausea, headache, tiredness, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, fast or slow heartbeats, fever, sore throat, rapid weight gain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), yellowing of the eyes or skin, loss of appetite, dark urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: HIV/AIDS medicines (ritonavir, indinavir, atazanavir, delavirdine), heart rhythm medications (quinidine, flecainide, amiodarone), beta-blockers (propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol), antifungal medications (voriconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole), antibiotics (rifampin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, erythromycin), sedatives (triazolam, midazolam), theophylline, barbiturates (butalbital, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, amobarbital), lithium, digoxin, cyclosporine, buspirone. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.