Drugs >  Bepridil
Bepridil
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Foreign Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(BE pri dil)

Brand Names
Vascor®

Foreign Brand Names
Bapadin® (Canada)

Therapeutic Categories
Calcium Channel Blocker

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to bepridil or any other part of the medicine.
  • If you have a history of allergy to other calcium channel blockers or adenosine.
  • If you have a history of rapid heartbeats.
  • If you are taking any of these medicines: Ritonavir, amprenavir, or sparfloxacin.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine if used for the treatment of chest pain or pressure from the heart. This is called angina.


How does it work?

  • Bepridil blocks certain channels in blood vessels that cause relaxation. This results in a lowering of blood pressure and an increased blood flow to the heart, resulting in less chest pain.


How is it best taken?

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
  • Take at a similar time every day.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • There should be an interval of 24 hours between doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • If you are 65 or older you may need a smaller dose. Kidney function may be reduced because of age. Watch for increased side effects.
  • Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can increase blood pressure.
  • Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you have a history of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) or are taking medicine to treat arrhythmias.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Feeling sleepy, tired, or lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
  • Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.


What should I monitor?

  • Check blood pressure regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache.
  • Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
  • Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
  • Any rash.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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