Bepridil

What  is the most important information I should know about bepridil? 
 
Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor approves.  If you stop  taking your medication, your condition could become much worse.

Follow any diet  or exercise recommendations for  your condition.

What  is bepridil? 

Bepridil is in a class  of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Bepridil relaxes (widens) your  blood vessels (veins  and arteries), which makes  it easier for your heart  to pump and reduces its workload. 

Bepridil  is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat angina (chest pain). 

Bepridil may also be used  for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. 

What  should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bepridil? 

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have 

• kidney disease; 
• liver disease; or 
• another disease of the heart or blood vessels, such  as sick sinus syndrome, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. 

You may not be able  to take bepridil, or you may require  a lower dose  or special monitoring during treatment if you have  any of the conditions listed above.
 
Bepridil is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is  not known whether bepridil will harm an unborn baby.  Do not take bepridil without first talking to  your doctor  if you are pregnant.
 
Bepridil passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.  Do not take  bepridil without first talking to your doctor if you  are breast-feeding a baby. 

How should I take bepridil? 

Take bepridil exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 
Do not stop taking  this medication unless your doctor approves. If you stop taking your medication, your condition could become much worse. 

Follow any diet or exercise recommendations for your condition.
  
Store bepridil at room temperature away from moisture and heat. 

What happens if I miss a dose? 

Take  the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it  is almost time for  your next dose, skip  the missed dose and take only  your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this  medication.

What happens if I overdose? 
 
Seek emergency medical attention. 

Symptoms of a bepridil overdose include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion. 

What should I avoid while taking bepridil? 
 
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking bepridil. 

Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or exercise. 

What are the possible side effects  of bepridil? 
  
If you experience any of  the following serious side effects, stop taking bepridil and  call your doctor immediately or seek  emergency medical treatment: 

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); 
• unusually fast or slow heartbeat; 
• fainting or severe dizziness; 
• chest pain; 
• abnormal behavior or psychosis; 
• yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice); or 
• Swelling of  your legs or ankles. 

Other, less serious side effects may  be more likely to occur. Continue  to take bepridil and talk to your doctor if you experience 

• unusual fatigue or tiredness; 
• nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation; 
• headache; 
• nervousness or mild dizziness; 
• insomnia; or 
• Tremor (shaking). 

Side effects other than those listed here  may also occur. Talk  to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual  or that is especially bothersome. 

What other drugs will affect bepridil? 

Tell  your doctor if you are taking any other heart medicines. Bepridil may compound the effects  that other heart medicines have on  your heart. 

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with bepridil or affect your condition. Talk to your  doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription  or over-the-counter medicines. 

Where can I get more information? 

Your  pharmacist has additional information about bepridil written for health professionals that  you may read. 

What does my medication look like? 

Bepridil is available with a prescription under the brand name Vascor. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available.  Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. 

• Vascor 200 mg--capsule-shaped, light-blue, film-coated, scored tablets 
• Vascor 300 mg--capsule-shaped, blue, film-coated, scored tablets 
• Vascor 400 mg--capsule-shaped, dark-blue, film-coated, scored tablets 

Notes: DrJMinor

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EditText of this page (last edited December 19, 2009)