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trandolapril/verapamil extended-release - oral, Tarka

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GENERIC NAME: TRANDOLAPRIL/VERAPAMIL EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL (tran-DOLE-uh-prill /ver-AP-a-mil)

BRAND NAME(S): Tarka

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This drug can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains 2 medications, trandolapril and verapamil. Trandolapril is an ACE inhibitor, and verapamil is a calcium channel blocker. They both work differently to relax the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Verapamil may also decrease the heart rate. They are used together when one medication is not controlling your blood pressure.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase your risk of side effects.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your routine blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Dry cough, slow heartbeat, constipation, and nausea may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, fast/irregular/very slow heartbeat, fainting, muscle weakness.This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, change in the amount of urine.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.