Brand Name

Isoptin SR {Abbott Laboratories}

Generic Name

verapamil, pronounced ver AP a mil

---

Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Isoptin SR?

Isoptin SR is a sustained-release medication that is used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain) or other certain heart rhythm disorders. Isoptin SR is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers, and works by widening and relaxing your blood vessels to help improve your blood flow. Your doctor may prescribe Isoptin SR for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Isoptin SR

Drinking alcohol can lower your blood pressure, which may increase certain side effects of Isoptin SR. You should not drink alcohol while taking Isoptin SR.

When you first start taking Isoptin SR your chest pain may increase or get worse. Tell your doctor right away if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.

Isoptin SR is a part of a complete program that your doctor has prescribed for you. This program includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines closely.

Isoptin SR is in FDA pregnancy category C. We do not know if Isoptin SR can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant before taking Isoptin SR. It is known that Isoptin SR passes into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Isoptin SR.

Before You Take Isoptin SR

You should not take Isoptin SR if you are allergic to verapamil.

You should not take Isoptin SR if you have certain heart conditions, particularly “sick sinus syndrome” or “AV block”, unless you have a pacemaker, or if you have recently had a heart attack or currently have low blood pressure.

Before taking Isoptin SR, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, low blood pressure or if you have recently had a heart attack.

While you are taking Isoptin SR try to avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, as it may cause you to feel dizzy. Be cautious when getting up, and do so slowly to avoid falling.

Isoptin SR Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• antibiotics like clarithromycin (Biaxin), dalfopristin/quinupristin (Synercid), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole) and telithromycin (Ketek)
• antifungal medications like itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), miconazole (Oravig) and voriconazole (Vfend)
• beta-blocker medications like Betapace, Blocadren, Corgard, Coreg, Inderal, InnoPran, Lopressor, Normodyne, Tenoretic, Tenormin, Toprol, Trandate and Zebeta
• buspirone (BuSpar)
• cancer medications like cisplatin (Platinol), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), paclitaxel (Taxol), procarbazine (Matulane), vincristine (Oncovin) and vinorelbine (Navelbine)
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) and other seizure medications
• cholesterol medications like atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin)
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• clonidine (Catapres, Clorpres, Kapvay, Nexiclon)
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
• heart rhythm medications like amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), disopyramide (Norpace), flecainide (Tambocor) and quinidine (Quin-G)
• HIV/AIDS medications like atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept) and ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra)
• lithium (Eskalith, LithoBid)
• lovastatin (Mevacor, Advicor) or simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin)
• sedatives like midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion)
• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Isoptin SR. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Isoptin SR

Isoptin SR can be taken with or without food.

You should take Isoptin SR with a full glass of water.

Do not break, chew or crush the sustained release tablet. You must swallow it whole.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Isoptin SR, which can lead to potentially serious effects. Discuss your use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Take care to protect yourself from the sun while taking Isoptin SR, as this medication can make you sunburn more easily. Use protective clothing and SPF when going outdoors and avoid tanning beds while taking Isoptin SR.

You should follow the instructions on your prescription label and not take Isoptin SR for longer than recommended by your doctor, or in larger or smaller doses.

Isoptin SR should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Isoptin SR you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Isoptin SR Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Isoptin SR and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• breathing difficulties
• clay colored stools
• fainting or feeling faint
• hives
• jaundice and appetite loss
• nausea
• pounding or racing heart
• rash that is red and blistering, with a fever, sore throat and headache
• restless movements in your eyes, jaw, neck or tongue
• shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
• swelling of your face, lips, throat, tongue, ankles, hands or feet or swelling with rapid weight gain
• upper stomach pain
• urine that is very dark

Less serious side effects may include:

• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• exhaustion or unusually tired feeling
• headache
• nausea
• skin rash and itching
• tingly, red or warm skin

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Isoptin SR. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Isoptin SR Description and Dosing

Isoptin SR is available as sustained-release tablets in 120 mg, 180 mg or 240 mg. The 120 mg tablets are light violet, oval shaped and film-coated. The 180 mg tablets are light pink, oval shaped, scored and film-coated. The 240 mg tablets are light green, capsule shaped, scored and film-coated.

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you believe you may have overdosed with Isoptin SR seek emergency medical help immediately.

Ingredients in Isoptin SR

Isoptin SR contains the active ingredient verapamil HCI. Inactive ingredients include alginate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, talc, and titanium dioxide. The following are the color additives per tablet strength:120 Iron Oxide, 180 Iron Oxide, 240 D&C yellow #10 Lake dye, and FD&C blue #2 Lake dye.

Back to Top

The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.