Isoptin SR and/or Equivalents

Isoptin SR

Isoptin SR Drug Description

Isoptin SR is the brand name of a medicine that belongs to a group classified as calcium channel blockers. It is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure and related cardiac conditions. Incidences of cerebral stroke and cardiac attacks are on the rise globally and Canada is no exception. Such mishaps occur when there is reduced flow of blood to the brain or the heart muscles due to which these vital organs suffer irrecoverable damage. There are several factors leading to a stroke or heart attack like age, gender, race, unhealthy; stressful or sedentary lifestyle, genes, present physical condition (obesity particularly), addictions and much more. In all such cases, there is irregular vascular functioning leading to high blood pressure. Isoptin SR tablets contain verapamil hydrochloride as the prime ingredient in a sustained release formulation. The tablets are available in three strengths of 120mg, 180mg and 240mg. Isoptin SR 120mg tablets are biconvex, white and film-coated with ‘120 SR’ imprinted on one side and ‘KNOLL’ on the other side. Isoptin SR 180mg tablets are oval, rose coloured and film-coated with ‘180 SR’ imprinted on one side and ‘KNOLL’ on the other side. Both the strengths are available in bottles of hundred tablets each. Isoptin SR 240mg tablets are oblong; light green in colour and film-coated with the KNOLL logo imprinted on one side. Both the surfaces are scored and the tablets are available as hundred or five hundred tabs per bottle. All tablets contain inactive ingredients like hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, magnesium stearate, macrogol 400, microcrystalline cellulose, macrogol 6000, montan glycol wax, povidone, sterile water, titanium dioxide, sodium alginate, talc and appropriate colouring agents. Isoptin SR is approved by the FDA and available only of prescription. It is presented by Abbott Laboratories, Limited.

Conditions Treated by Isoptin SR

Verapamil hydrochloride is an antihypertensive agent and Isoptin SR is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain) and arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). It is used to lower high blood pressure in those patients who have not had the desired effect with beta-blockers or diuretics or for whom these formulations are contraindicated. Verapamil hydrochloride is a good relaxant of smooth muscles and depressant of myocardial contraction. It works by inducing dilation of the blood vessels and reducing resistance during the flow of blood through them. Blood pressure is thereby normalized which reduces the risk of cerebral stroke, cardiac attacks, chest pain or erratic heartbeat. Isoptin SR is also prescribed concomitantly with ACE inhibitors to further lower blood pressure.

Isoptin SR Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Typical dosage of Isoptin SR depends on several factors like age, medical conditions, individual tolerance and response and concomitant prescription of other medications. Individual dosage must be titrated carefully keeping in mind the safety, efficacy and benefit of the medicine for individual patients. In general, typical dose for mild hypertension is between 180 and 240mg per day. Depending on patient compliance, the dose can be increased to 240mg twice a day i.e. 480mg per day. Under no circumstances should the daily dose exceed 480mg. In case of geriatric patients above sixty five years of age, the daily dose may be 120mg per day.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have forgotten to take a particular dose of Isoptin SR, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the missed dose in case it is time to take your next dose. Never take a double dose in order to compensate for a missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

Isoptin SR overdosing can turn fatal if too much of the medicine is ingested or supportive care is not provided on time. Typical symptoms of overdosing include fainting, severe dizziness and a slow heartbeat. Contact your physician or visit your nearest poison control centre immediately.

Isoptin SR Warnings

Since Isoptin SR is used to treat life-threatening disorders, you must be extremely cautious while using this medicine. Talk to your physician in details about the risks and benefits, dosage schedule and precautions to be followed. Your physician must also know everything about your past and present medical condition, other medicines being used by you currently or if you are allergic to the active and inactive ingredients present in Isoptin SR. Take Isoptin SR exactly at the same time each day and follow the dosage schedule prescribed by your physician. Talk to him/her in case of any uneasiness but do not stop taking your medicines or alter doses arbitrarily. Isoptin SR should always be taken with food. Never crush or chew the tablet. However, you can score the 240mg tablet if advised by your physician. While undergoing treatment with Isoptin SR, you must stringently attend all check-up sessions for monitoring your blood pressure and general health. Isoptin SR can make you feel dizzy. Avoid getting up too fast, doing work that requires alertness or driving immediately after taking this medicine. Always store the medicine in a cool and dark place at temperatures between 150C and 250C and away from the reach of children and pets. Never share the medicine with another person or use it after the expiry date mentioned on the label. Avoid drinking alcohol or grapefruit juice while undergoing treatment with Isoptin SR as this may lead to adverse reactions. Isoptin SR is contraindicated in patients suffering from low heartbeat, hypotension, a particular type of arrhythmia, extreme dysfunction of the left ventricle or congestive heart failure. It is also unsafe for patients who have experienced complicated cardiac attacks. Your physician must know if you are pregnant, plan to conceive or lactating as in that case, Isoptin SR can be prescribed only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Isoptin SR is also not recommended in paediatric patients.

Isoptin SR Side Effects

Contact your physician if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dizziness or faintness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Flushing along with feeling of warmth
• Tender swollen bleeding gums
• Skin rash or hives
• Swollen face, mouth or throat
• Weakness in the muscles
• Swelling of legs, ankles or feet

Isoptin SR Drug Interactions

The active and inactive ingredients of Isoptin SR can react with several other medications. Your physician should therefore know everything about all prescription and non-prescription preparations you are taking including diet supplements, herbal preparations or vitamins. You must also be aware of your addictions towards caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or street drugs.

If you have any questions about buying discount Isoptin SR online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Isoptin SR and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information