Drug Name
Isoptin (Verapamil)
Drug Uses
Isoptin belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain) and certain other rhythmic disorders of the heart.
How it is taken
Isoptin must be taken by mouth without crushing, chewing or breaking the pill. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice must be avoided completely while using the drug. Take the drug at the same time each day so that it becomes easy for you to remember it.
The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Isoptin then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Storage
Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.
Isoptin may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.
You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have certain heart problems (eg, left-ventricular dysfunction, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree heart block and do not have a pacemaker), very low blood pressure, or moderate to severe congestive heart failure, you have atrial fibrillation or flutter and a pre-excitation syndromes (extra conduction pathway in the heart), such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome (LGL), you have shock due to serious heart problems, you are taking dofetilide, eletriptan, erythromycin, or disopyramide.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Isoptin and contact your doctor immediately.
Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.
It is unknown whether Isoptin is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Isoptin should not be used in children younger than 18 years old as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.
Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Isoptin before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.
Periodic lab tests including liver function, kidney function, complete blood cell count, and blood pressure may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.
It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are constipation, dizziness, fatigue, general feeling of being unwell, headache, lightheadedness, nausea. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.
Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, dark urine, fever, lightheadedness, especially upon standing, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling of feet or hands, unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.
