Isoptin (Verapamil)

Description

Isoptin is used as a medication for high blood pressure, angina and other heartbeat irregularities. It acts as a calcium channel blocker that helps the muscles as well as the veins and arteries to relax. The use of Isoptin for angina helps the patient do more physical activity without experiencing any chest pain.

Usage

This drug should be taken orally according to a frequency prescribed by your doctor. It is usually recommended to patients on a basis of 3 to 4 times a day. It is important for this drug to be taken regularly during the same time each day.

Since symptoms of high blood pressure aren’t always visible, patients with this condition should take the drug every day – even when they are feeling completely fine. Patients with Angina should make it a point to take Isoptin on regular basis and not just when they experience chest pain.

 Never stop the drug without consulting your doctor first. Abruptly stopping the drug may cause harm to your health.

 Monitor your blood pressure levels and inform the doctor if no improvement is seen within a week or two.

Precautions

You should inform your doctor of any allergies you have before taking the drug in order to avoid any harmful reactions within your body. Isoptin can reduce your ability to concentrate and react quickly which will make you more accident prone. Therefore, be careful when you drive and work with heavy machinery.

 Inform your doctor about any history of medical issues such as kidney, liver, muscle and cardiovascular diseases.

Isoptin might not be suitable for you if you are taking treatment for one of the above mentioned conditions. It is better to avoid alcohol as much as possible because it can cause your blood pressure levels to fall even further down which would reduce the benefits of the drug. Natural grape fruit and grape fruit products can also be harmful to an individual taking Isoptin because there might be a reaction between the two which can be detrimental.

 Inform your doctor about the drug before undergoing any kind of surgery.

Side effects

Those who are allergic to the drug may show side effects that are mild. However, allergic reactions such as swelling of throat, lips and tongue, itching, rashes, severe dizziness and trouble breathing should be attended to by a doctor.

Dizziness is common during the first few days of using this drug. Take care when standing up from a sitting position in order to reduce the risk of injuring yourself due to lack of balance. However, this condition along with nausea, constipation, headaches and tiredness should disappear after a few days of using the drug. You will need to consult a doctor if they continue to prevail.

A very slow heartbeat that results in fainting, swelling of ankles, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain are side effects that are rather unlikely, yet harmful if they occur. Persistent nausea, dark urine, yellow eyes and skin and severe abdominal pain are also side effects which would need immediate medical attention.