bepridil, Vascor (cont.)

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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Bepridil may increase levels of digoxin (Lanoxin) in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Diuretics, for example, 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 breastfeeding 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 among 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

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