This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Isoptin is a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker. It eases the heart's workload by slowing down the passage of nerve impulses through it, and hence the contractions of the heart muscle. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body, reduces blood pressure, corrects irregular heartbeat, and helps prevent angina pain. Isoptin can be prescribed for several heart and blood pressure problems. The fast-acting brands (Calan and Isoptin) are taken for angina (chest pain due to clogged cardiac arteries), as well as irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. The longer-acting brands (Calan SR, Isoptin SR, Verelan, and Verelan PM) are typically used only for high blood pressure. Covera-HS is prescribed for both high blood pressure and angina.

How to Take

For angina, arrhythmias, (irregular heartbeat), or high blood pressure: Adults and teenagers - 40 to 120 mg three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.

Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 4 to 8 mg per kilogram (1.82 to 3.64 mg per pound) of body weight a day. This is divided into smaller doses.

Warning and Precautions

Isoptin may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Isoptin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Isoptin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Isoptin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, complete blood cell count, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Isoptin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include decreased mental status; dizziness; loss of consciousness; seizures; shortness of breath; slow or irregular heartbeat.

Storage

Store Isoptin Controlled-Release Tablets between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Isoptin Controlled-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects: constipation; dizziness; fatigue; general feeling of being unwell; headache; lightheadedness; nausea, severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; fever; lightheadedness, especially upon standing; severe dizziness; shortness of breath; swelling of feet or hands; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; yellowing of the eyes or skin. Seek medical attention right away if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Isoptin. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.