ISOPTIN Film‐coated tablet Ref.[51032] Active ingredients: Verapamil

Source: Health Products Regulatory Authority (IE)  Revision Year: 2021  Publisher: Mylan IRE Healthcare Limited, Unit 35/36, Grange Parade, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Dublin 13, Ireland

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Prophylaxis and/or treatment of:

  • Angina pectoris, including Prinzmetal’s angina (coronary spasm, vasospastic angina).
  • Supraventricular tachycardias such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation/flutter with rapid ventricular response (except in WPW syndrome or LGL syndrome, see “Contra‐indications”).
  • Mild to moderate essential hypertension.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

The dose of verapamil hydrochloride should be adjusted individually in accordance with the severity of disease. Long‐standing clinical experience shows that the average daily dose in all indications is between 240 mg and 360 mg. The daily dose should not exceed 480 mg on a long‐term basis, although a higher dose may be used for a short period. There is no limitation on the duration of use. Verapamil hydrochloride should not be discontinued abruptly after long‐term use. It is recommended to taper the dosage.

Isoptin 40mg tablets should be used for patients likely to display a satisfactory response to low doses (e.g. patients with hepatic dysfunction or elderly patients). For patients requiring higher dosages (e.g., 240 mg to 480 mg verapamil hydrochloride per day), formulations with a more suitable active drug content should be used.

Adults

For the treatment of angina, including Prinzmetal’s angina, the usual dose is 120 mg 3 to 4 times daily. Although 80 mg 3 times daily may be adequate in many patients with angina of effort, doses below 120 mg 3 times daily are unlikely to be effective in angina of rest and Prinzmetal’s angina.

In cases of supraventricular tachycardia the usual dose is 40 mg to 120 mg 3 to 4 times daily according to the severity of the patient’s condition.

For the treatment of essential hypertension the usual dose is 40 mg to 120 mg 3 to 4 times daily. In long‐term treatment, a total daily dose of 480 mg should not be exceeded; short‐term dose increases are possible only when directed by the physician.

Special Populations

Renal impairment

Currently available data are described in Special Warnings and Precautions for Use Section. Verapamil hydrochloride should be used cautiously and with close monitoring in patients with impaired renal function.

Liver impairment

In patients with impaired liver function, metabolism of the drug is delayed to a greater or lesser extent depending on the severity of hepatic dysfunction, thus potentiating and prolonging the effects of verapamil hydrochloride. Therefore, the dosage needs to be adjusted with special caution in patients with impaired liver function and low doses should be given initially (see Special Warnings and Precautions for Use Section).

Method of administration

For oral use only.

Tablets should be taken without sucking or chewing, with sufficient liquid, preferably with or shortly after meals.

Verapamil should not be taken with grapefruit juice (see Section 4.5, Interactions).

4.9. Overdose

Symptoms

Hypotension, bradycardia up to high degree AV block and sinus arrest, hyperglycemia, stupor, metabolic acidosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Fatalities have occurred as a result of overdose.

Treatment

The usual intensive care measures should be taken. Fatalities have occurred as a result of overdose. Verapamil hydrochloride cannot be removed by haemodialysis.

The specific antidote is calcium, e.g. 10‐20 ml in a 10% calcium gluconate solution administered intravenously (2.25‐4.5 mmol), repeated if necessary or given as a continuous drip infusion (e.g. 5 mmol/hour). The following measures may also be necessary:

In the case of 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, sinus bradycardia, asystole: Atropine, isoprenaline, orciprenaline or pacemaker therapy. Asystole should be handled by the usual measures including beta adrenergic stimulation (e.g., isoproterenol hydrochloride).

In the case of hypotension: Dopamine, dobutamine, norepinephrine.

If there are any signs of continuing myocardial failure: Dopamine, dobutamine, if necessary repeated calcium injections, and possibly other medication that increases cardiac contractility combined with isoprenaline.

6.3. Shelf life

3 years.

6.4. Special precautions for storage

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

6.5. Nature and contents of container

Isoptin 40mg tablets are packed in PVC blister strips in a carton.

Pack size: 100 tablets/carton.

6.6. Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

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