Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: bepridil
BRAND NAME: Vascor
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Bepridil is an oral calcium
channel blocker (CCB). Other calcium channel blockers include nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil),nicardipine (Cardene), isradipine (Dynacirc), nisoldipine (Sular), verapamil (Calan; Isoptin; Covera; Verelan), and diltiazem (Cardizem; Tiazac; Dilacor). Bepridil is unrelated chemically to other calcium channel blockers. Moreover, unlike other calcium channel blockers, bepridil blocks sodium as well as calcium channels in a manner similar to quinidine (Quinaglute; Duraquin; Quinidex), procainamide (Procan-SR; Pronestyl), and disopyramide (Norpace), drugs that are used to treat abnormal heart rhythms.
Like other calcium channel blockers, bepridil partially prevents the
increase in calcium within the heart's muscle cells that causes the
cells to contract. As a result, the muscle contracts less
vigorously. Less vigorous contraction means that the heart has to
work less and needs less oxygen. This effect is useful in treating
angina pectoris (heart pain), which occurs when the need of the heart
for oxygen exceeds its supply of oxygen. By reducing the need for
oxygen, bepridil prevents angina pectoris. Unlike other
calcium channel blockers, bepridil does not lower blood pressure and
is not used to treat high blood pressure
Because it can cause abnormal heart rhythms, bepridil generally is
reserved for patients who have not responded to other drugs for
angina pectoris. Bepridil
was approved by the FDA in December of 1990.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 200mg.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-
30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Bepridil is prescribed for patients with
angina pectoris (heart pain) due to coronary artery disease.
DOSING: Bepridil usually is taken once daily. It can be
taken
with meals or at bedtime if nausea is a problem.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Bepridil can reduce the strength with
which
the heart muscle contracts. Drugs which also have this effect could
seriously reduce contractions and possibly precipitate congestive
heart failure. Such drugs include
quinidine (Quinaglute; Duraquin; Quinidex), procainamide (Procan-SR;
Pronestyl), disopyramide (Norpace), flecainide (Tambocor), verapamil
(Calan; Isoptin; Covera; Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem; Tiazac;
Dilacor), and all beta-blockers, for example, atenolol (Tenormin).
Bepridil slows the ability of the heart's muscle to recover
electrically and get ready for the next contraction. Other drugs
which have the same effect could interact with
bepridil, possibly causing serious problems with abnormal heart
rhythms and should be used cautiously if at all with bepridil. Such
drugs include
quinidine (Quinaglute; Duraquin; Quinidex), procainamide (Procan-SR;
Pronestyl), disopyramide (Norpace), flecainide (Tambocor), and
tricyclic
Antidepressants, e.g., amitriptyline (Elavil)
Bepridil may increase levels of digoxin (Lanoxin) in the blood,
thereby
increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Diuretics, e.g., furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide
Demadex), hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril), chlorthalidone
(Hygroton), metolazone (Zaroxolyn) may cause a reduction in blood
potassium concentrations
thereby increasing the risk of bepridil-induced abnormal heart
rhythms.
PREGNANCY: Bepridil crosses the placenta, and therefore
should
not be used during
pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential
but unknown risk to
the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: Bepridil is
secreted into breast milk and
therefore should not be used by breast-feeding mothers unless benefit
to
the mother clearly outweighs the potential but unknown risk to the
infant.
SIDE EFFECTS: Bepridil can cause very serious cardiac
arrhythmias. The risk is increased in patients with a specific
electrocardiographic
abnormality called QT prolongation and in patients with low blood
concentrations of potassium or magnesium .
Bepridil also can cause increased or decreased heart rate and other
abnormal rhythms.
Other side effects that can occur in patients taking bepridil include
flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, fever,
Nausea, vomiting, loss or appetite, constipation, gas, stomach ache,
dry
mouth, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, nervousness, drowsiness,
dizziness,
depression, inability to sleep, and blurred vision. Impotence and
reduction in sexual drive also have been reported during bepridil
therapy.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 6/6/1999 10:04:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Calcium Channel Blockers - Establishes the medication calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which are drugs used for treating high blood pressure, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation.
- Angina - Learn about the causes and symptoms of angina like pressure, heaviness, tightening, squeezing, and aching across the chest. There are two types of angina, stable (the most common) and unstable.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Heart RSS