SECURON SR Modified-release tablet Ref.[7143] Active ingredients: Verapamil

For oral use only.

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

Securon SR tablets are scored and may be halved without damaging the modified-release formulation.

Adults

Hypertension

One tablet of Securon SR daily. For patients new to verapamil therapy, the physician should consider halving the initial dose to 120 mg (one tablet Half Securon SR). Most patients respond to 240 mg daily (one tablet Securon SR) given as a single dose. If control is not achieved after a period of at least one week, the dosage may be increased to a maximum of two Securon SR tablets daily (one in the morning and one in the evening at an interval of about twelve hours). A further reduction in blood pressure may be achieved by combining Securon SR with other antihypertensive agents, in particular diuretics. Half Securon SR may be used for dose titration purposes.

Angina pectoris

One tablet of Securon SR twice daily. A small number of patients respond to a lower dose and where indicated, adjustment down to one tablet of Securon SR daily could be made. Half Securon SR may be used for dose titration purposes.

Secondary prevention of reinfarction after an acute myocardial infarction in patients without heart failure, and not receiving diuretics (apart from low-dose diuretics when used for indications other than heart failure), and where beta-blockers are not appropriate

Treatment is to be started at least one week after an acute myocardial infarction. 360 mg/day in divided doses, to be taken either as one Half Securon SR (120 mg) tablet three times daily, or as one Securon SR (240 mg) tablet in the morning and one Half Securon SR (120 mg) tablet in the evening, on a daily basis.

Elderly patients

The adult dose is recommended unless renal or hepatic function is impaired (see Section 4.4, ‘Special Warnings and Precautions for Use’).

Children

Securon SR and Half Securon SR are not recommended for children.

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).

The course of symptoms in verapamil intoxication depends on the amount taken, the point in time at which detoxification measures are taken and myocardial contractility (age-related). The main symptoms are as follows: blood pressure fall (at times to values not detectable), shock symptoms, loss of consciousness, 1^st and 2^nd degree AV block (frequently as Wenckebach’s phenomenon with or without escape rhythms), total AV block with total AV dissociation, escape rhythm, asystole, bradycardia up to high degree AV block and, sinus arrest, hyperglycaemia, stupor and metabolic acidosis. Fatalities have occurred as a result of overdose.

The therapeutic measures to be taken depend on the point in time at which verapamil was taken and the type and severity of intoxication symptoms. In intoxications with large amounts of slow-release preparations (Securon SR and Half Securon SR), it should be noted that the release of the active drug and the absorption in the intestine may take more than 48 hours. Verapamil hydrochloride cannot be removed by haemodialysis. Depending on the time of ingestion, it should be taken into account that there may be some lumps of incompletely dissolved tablets along the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, which function as active drug depots.

General measures to be taken: Gastric lavage with the usual precautions, even later than 12 hours after ingestion, if no gastrointestinal motility (peristaltic sounds) is detectable. Where intoxication by Securon SR or Half Securon SR is suspected, extensive elimination measures are indicated, such as induced vomiting, removal of the contents of the stomach and the small intestine under endoscopy, intestinal lavage, laxative, high enemas. The usual intensive resuscitation measures apply, such as extrathoracic heart massage, respiration, defibrillation and/or pacemaker therapy.

Specific measures to be taken: Elimination of cardiodepressive effects, hypotension or bradycardia. The specific antidote is calcium, e.g. 10-20 ml of 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 case of 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, sinus bradycardia, asystole – atropine, isoprenaline, orciprenaline or pacemaker therapy. In case of hypotension – dopamine, dobutamine, noradrenaline. If there are signs of continuing myocardial failure – dopamine, dobutamine, if necessary repeated calcium injections.

36 months.

Do not store above 25°C and store in the original package.

Calendar pack consisting of a PVC/PVDC blister in a cardboard outer container.

Pack size: 28 tablets.

No special requirements. The tablets should not be chewed or sucked, but may be halved without affecting the modified-release form.

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