BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Antiarrhythmic
USES
Corrects heart rhythm disorders.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablet or capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't
swallow whole, crumble tablet or open capsule and take
with liquid or food.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If
more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't
double this dose).
What drug does:
Delays nerve impulses to heart to regulate heartbeat.
Time lapse before drug works:
Begins in 30 to 60 minutes. Must use for 5 to 7 days to
determine effectiveness.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
Symptoms What to do
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Hypoglycemia Discontinue. Call doctor
right away.
Dry mouth, constipation, Continue. Call doctor
painful or difficult when convenient.
urination, rapid
weight gain.
Infrequent:
Dizziness, fainting, Discontinue. Call doctor
confusion, nervousness, right away.
depression, chest pain,
slow or fast heartbeat.
Swollen feet. Continue. Call doctor
when convenient.
Rare:
Sore throat with Discontinue. Call doctor
fever, jaundice. right away.
Eye pain, diminished Continue. Call doctor
sex drive. when convenient.
OVERDOSE
Symptoms:
Blood-pressure drop, irregular heartbeat.
What to do:
*Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
*If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give
mouth-to-mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use
cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR).
Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help
quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
*See emergency information.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to disopyramide or any antiarrhythmic.
You have second- or third-degree heart block.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you react unfavorably to other antiarrhythmic drugs.
If you have had heart disease.
If you have low blood pressure.
If you have liver disease.
If you have glaucoma.
If you have enlarged prostate.
If you have myasthenia gravis.
If you take digitalis preparations or diuretics.
Over age 60:
May require reduced dose.
More likely to have difficulty urinating or be
constipated.
More likely to have blood-pressure drop.
Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible.
Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue
nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for
advice on maintaining milk supply.
Infants and children:
Safety not established. Don't use.
Prolonged use:
No problems expected.
Skin and sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how
medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous
machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places.
Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine
affecting alertness and reflexes, such as
antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain
medicine, narcotics, or mind-altering drugs.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you
complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish
or disappear.
Others:
If new illness, injury or surgery occurs, tell doctors
of disopyramide use.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Generic Name or Drug Class Combined Effect
Ambenonium Decreased ambenonium
effect.
Tocainide Increased likelihood of
adverse reactions with
either drug.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
Interacts With Combined Effect
Alcohol Decreased blood pressure
and blood sugar. Use
caution.
Beverages None expected.
Cocaine Irregular heartbeat.
Foods None expected.
Marijuana Unpredictable. May
decrease disopyramide
effect.
Tobacco May decrease disopyramide
effect.
PROPRANOLOL
BRAND NAMES
Apo-Propranolol Inderide
Detensol Novopranol
Inderal Panolol
Inderal LA pms-Propranolol
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Beta-adrenergic blocker
USES
.Reduces angina attacks.
.Stabilizes irregular heartbeat.
.Lowers blood pressure.
.Reduces frequency of migraine headaches.
(Does not relieve headache pain.)
.Other uses prescribed by your doctor.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablet, liquid or extended-release capsule--Swallow with
liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet or open
capsule and take with liquid or food. Don't crush capsule.
When to take:
With meals or immediately after.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Return to regular schedule, but
allow 3 hours between doses.
What drug does:
.Blocks certain actions of sympathetic nervous system.
.Lowers heart's oxygen requirements.
.Slows nerve impulses through heart.
.Reduces blood vessel contraction in heart, scalp and other
body parts.
Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 4 hours.
Don't take with:
Non-prescription drugs or drugs in interaction column without
consulting doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
Symptoms What to do
___________________________________________________________________
Life-threatening:
Congestive heart failure. Discontinue. Seek emergency
treatment.
Common:
.Pulse slower than 50 Discontinue. Call doctor
beats per minute. right away.
.Drowsiness, fatigue, Continue. Call doctor
numbness or tingling when convenient.
of fingers or toes,
dizziness, diarrhea,
nausea, weakness.
.Cold hands or feet; Continue. Tell doctor
dry mouth, eyes and at next visit.
skin.
Infrequent:
.Hallucinations, Discontinue. Call doctor
nightmares, insomnia, right away.
headache, difficult
breathing, joint pain,
anxiety.
.Confusion, reduced Continue. Call doctor when
alertness, depression, convenient.
impotence.
.Constipation. Continue. Tell doctor at
next visit.
Rare:
.Rash, sore throat, Discontinue. Call doctor
fever. right away.
.Unusual bleeding and Continue. Call doctor when
bruising; dry, burning convenient.
eyes; impotence.
OVERDOSE
Symptoms:
Weakness, slow or weak pulse, blood-pressure drop, fainting,
difficulty breathing, convulsions, cold and sweaty skin.
What to Do:
.Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
.See emergency information.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
.You are allergic to any beta-adrenergic blocker.
.You have asthma.
.You have hay fever symptoms.
.You have taken MAO inhibitors in past 2 weeks.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
.If you have heart disease or poor circulation to the
extremities.
.If you have hay fever, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema.
.If you have overactive thyroid function.
.If you have impaired liver or kidney function.
.If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental
surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
.If you have diabetes or hypoglycemia.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may b emore frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.
Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing
until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on
maintaining milk supply.
Infants and children:
Not recommended.
Prolonged use:
Weakens heart muscle contractions.
Skin and sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb
ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink
alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require
gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time.
Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.
Others:
May mask hypoglycemia.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Generic Name or Drug Class Combined Effect
_______________________________________________________________________
ACE inhibitors: Increased antihypertensive
captopril, enalapril, effects of both drugs.
lisinopril Dosages may require adjustment.
Non-steroidal Decreased antihypertensive effect
anti-inflammatory of propranolol.
drugs (NSAIDS)
Phenytoin Decreased propranolol effect.
Quinidine Slows heart excessively.
Reserpine Increased reserpine effect.
Excessive sedation and depression.
Rifampin Decreased propranolol effect.
Timolol eyedrops Possible increased propranolol
effect.
Tocainide May worsen congestive heart
failure.
Verapamil Increased effect of both drugs.
_______________________________________________________________________
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
Interacts with Combined effect
_______________________________________________________________________
Alcohol Excessive blood-pressure drop.
Avoid.
Beverages None expected.
Cocaine Irregular heartbeat. Avoid.
Foods None expected.
Marijuana Daily use--impaired circulation
to hands and feet.
Tobacco Possible irregular heartbeat.
ISOXSUPRINE
BRAND NAMES
Vasodilan Vasoprine
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Vasodilator
USES
Improves poor blood circulation.
DOSAGE AN USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach
irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet
and take with liquid or food.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If
more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't
double this dose).
What drug does:
Expands blood vessels, increasing flow and permitting
distribution of oxygen and nutrients.
Time lapse before drug works:
1 hour.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
Symptoms What To Do
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Appetite loss, nausea, Discontinue. Call doctor
vomiting. right away.
Dizziness, faintness. Continue. Call doctor
when convenient.
Weakness, lethargy. Continue. Tell doctor
at next visit.
Infrequent:
Rash. Discontinue. Call doctor
right away.
Rare:
Rapid or irregular Discontinue. Call doctor
heartbeat. right away.
What to do:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give
mouth-to-mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use
cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR).
Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help
quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
See emergency information.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to any vasodilator.
You have any bleeding disease.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have high blood pressure, hardening of the
arteries or heart disease.
If you plan to become pregnant within medication period.
If you have glaucoma.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent
and severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Decide
with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to
unborn child.
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected, but consult doctor.
Infants and children:
Not recommended.
Prolonged use:
No problems expected.
Skin and sunlight:
No problems expected,
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel dizzy or faint. Otherwise, no
problems expected.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you
complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish
or disappear.
Others:
Be cautious when arising from lying or sitting position,
when climbing stairs, or if dizziness occurs.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Generic Name or Drug Class Combined Effect
None
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
Interacts With Combined Effect
Alcohol None expected.
Beverages Decreased stomach
Milk irritation.
Cocaine Decreased blood
circulation to
extremities. Avoid.
PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE
Pentestan
Pentol
Pentol S.A.
Pentraspan
Pentraspan SR
Pentritol
Pentylan
Peritrate
Peritrate SA
P.E.T.N.
Sorate
Sorbide
Sorbide T.D.
Sorbitrate
Sorbitrate SA
Susadrin
Tranderm-Nitro
Trates
Tridil
Vaso-80
Vasoglyn
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Antianginal (nitrate)
USES
Reduces frequency and severity of angina attacks.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
*Extended-release tablets or capsules
Swallow each dose whole with liquid.
*Chewable tablet
Chew tablet at earliest sign of angina, and hold in
mouth for 2 minutes.
*Regular tablet or capsule
Swallow whole with liquid. Don't crush, chew or
open.
*Ointment
Apply as directed.
*Sublingual tablets
Place under tongue every 3 to 5 minutes at earliest
sign of angina. If you don't have complete relief
with 3 or 4 tablets, call doctor.
When to take:
*Swallowed tablets
Take at the same times each day, 1 or 2 hours after
meals.
*Ointment
Follow prescription directions.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If
more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't
double this dose).
What drug does:
Relaxes blood vessels, increasing blood flow to heart
muscle.
Time lapse before drug works:
*Sublingual tablets
1 to 3 minutes.
*Other forms
15 to 30 minutes. Will not stop an attack, but may
prevent attacks.
OVERDOSE
Symptoms:
Dizziness; blue fingernails and lips; fainting;
shortness of breath; weak, fast heartbeat; convulsions.
What to do:
*Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
*See section on emergency information.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
Symptoms What to do
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Headache, flushed Continue. Tell doctor
face and neck, dry at next visit.
mouth, nausea, vomiting,
rapid heartbeat.
Infrequent:
Fainting Discontinue. Call doctor
right away.
Restlessness, Continue. Call doctor
Blurred vision. when convenient.
Rare:
Rash Discontinue. Call doctor
right away.
Severe irritation, Continue. Call doctor
peeling. when convenient.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to nitrates, including nitroglycerin.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you are taking non-prescription drugs.
If you plan to become pregnant within medication
period.
If you have glaucoma.
If you have reacted badly to any vasodilator drug.
If you drink alcoholic beverages or smoke marijuana.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent
and severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible.
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult your doctor.
Infants and children:
Not recommended.
Prolonged use:
Drug may become less effective and require higher
doses.
Skin and sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how
medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous
machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places.
Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine
affecting alertness and reflexes.
Discontinuing:
Except for sublingual tablets, don't discontinue
without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed
dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
Others:
If discomfort is not caused by angina, nitrate
medication will not bring relief. Call doctor id
discomfort persists.
Periodic urine and laboratory blood studies of white
cell counts recommended if you take nitrates.
Keep sublingual tablets in original container. Always
carry them with you, but keep from body heat if
possible.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Generic Name or Drug Class Combined Effect
Anticholinergics Increased internal-eye
pressure.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
Interacts With Combined Effect
Alcohol Excessive blood-pressure drop
Beverages None expected.
Cocaine Flushed face and headache.
Avoid.
Marijuana Decreased nitrate effect.
Tobacco Decreased nitrate effect.
NIFEDIPINE
BRAND NAMES
Adalat
Procardia
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? No
Drug class: Calcium-channel blocker, antiarrhythmic, antianginal.
USES
.Prevents angina attacks.
.Treats Reynaud's disease.
.Treats high blood pressure.
.Treats spasm of the esophagus.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Capsule or extended-release tablet--Swallow with liquid.
When to take:
At the same times each day 1 hour before or 2 hours after
eating.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
.Reduces work that heart must perform.
.Reduces normal artery pressure.
.Increases oxygen to heart muscle.
Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 2 hours.
Don't take with:
See Interaction column and consult doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
Symptoms What To Do
_______________________________________________________________________
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Tiredness, flushing, Continue. Tell doctor
swelling of feet, at next visit.
ankles and abdomen.
Infrequent:
.Unusually fast or Discontinue. Call
unusually slow doctor right away.
heartbeat, wheezing,
cough, shortness of
breath.
.Dizziness; numbness Continue. Call doctor
or tingling in hands when convenient.
or feet; swelling of
ankles, feet, legs;
difficult urination.
.Nausea Continue. Tell doctor
constipation. at next visit.
Rare:
.Transient blindness, Discontinue. Seek
increased angina. emergency treatment.
.Fainting, chest pain, Discontinue. Call
fever, rash, jaundice, doctor right away.
depression, psychosis.
.Arthritis, hair loss. Continue. Call doctor
vivid dreams. when convenient.
.Headache. Continue. Tell doctor
at next visit.
OVERDOSE
Symptoms:
Unusually fast or unusually slow heartbeat, loss of
consciousness, cardiac arrest.
What to do:
.Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
.If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give
mouth-to-mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use
cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try
to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take
patient to nearest emergency facility.
.See emergency information.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
.You are allergic to nifedipine.
.You have very low blood pressure.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
.If you have kidney or liver disease.
.If you have high blood pressure.
.If you have heart disease other than coronary-artery disease.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible.
Breast-feeding:
Safety not established. Avoid if possible.
Infants and children:
Not recommended.
Prolonged use:
No problems expected.
Skin and sunlight:
Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel dizzy. Otherwise, no problems expected.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete
prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
Others:
.Learn to check your own pulse rate. If it drops to 50 beats
per minute or lower, don't take nifedipine until you consult
your doctor.
.Drug may lower blood-sugar level if daily dose is more than 60
mg.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Generic Name or Drug Class Combined effect
_______________________________________________________________________
ACE inhibitors: Possible excessive
captopril, enalapril, potassium in blood.
lisinopril Dosages may need adjustment.
Antiarrhythmics Possible increased effect and
toxicity of each drug.
Anticoagulants Possible increased
(oral) anticoagulant effect.
Habit forming? Yes
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? No
Drug class: Vasoconstrictor (antiserotonin)
USES
Prevents migraine and other recurring vascular headaches. Not for
acute attack.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or with food to lessen stomach
irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take
with liquid or food.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Don't take missed dose. Wait for next scheduled dose (DON'T
double this dose).
What drug does:
Blocks the action of serotonin, a chemical that constricts
blood vessels.
Time lapse before drug works:
About 3 weeks.
Don't take with:
See interaction column and consult doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
Symptoms What to do
_________________________________________________________________________
Life-threatening:
None expected
Common:
.Itchy skin. Discontinue. Call doctor right away.
.Nausea, vomiting, Continue. Call doctor when
diarrhea, numbness convenient.
or tingling of
extremities.
.Drowsiness, Continue. Tell doctor at next visit.
constipation.
Infrequent:
.Anxiety, agitation, Discontinue. Call doctor right away.
hallucinations,
unusually fast or
slow heartbeat.
.Change in vision. Continue. Call doctor when convenient.
Rare:
.Extreme thirst, chest Discontinue. Call doctor right away.
pain, shortness of
breath, fever, pale
or swollen extremities,
leg cramps, lower back
pain, side or groin pain.
appetite loss, joint
and muscle pain, rash,
facial flush.
.Painful or difficult Continue. Call doctor when convenient.
urination.
.Weight change, Continue. Tell doctor at next visit.
hair loss, swollen
feet and ankles.
_____________________________________________________________________________
OVERDOSE
Symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, lack of
coordination, extreme thirst.
What to do:
Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger
amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or
hospital emergency room for instructions.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
.You are allergic to any antiserotonin.
.You plan to become pregnant within medication period.
.You have an infection.
.You have a heart or blood-vessel disease.
.You have a chronic lung disease.
.You have a collagen (connective tissue) disorder.
.You have impaired liver or kidney function.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
.If you have been allergic to any ergot preparation.
.If you have had a peptic ulcer.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
Manufacturer suggests risk to unborn child outweighs drug
benefits, even though studies are inconclusive.
Breast-feeding:
Drug probably passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue
nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for
advice on maintaining milk supply.
Infants and children:
Not recommended.
Prolonged use:
Possible fibrosis, a condition in which scar tissue is
deposited on heart valves, in lung tissue, blood vessels
and internal organs. After 6 months, decrease dose over 2
to 3 weeks. Then discontinue for at least 2 months for re-
evaluation.
Skin and sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel drowsy or dizzy. Otherwise, no problems
expected.
Discontinuing:
.Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may
require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a
long time. doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.
.Probably should discontinue drug if you don't improve after
3 weeks' use.
Others:
.Periodic laboratory tests for liver function and blood
counts recommended.
.Potential for abuse.
.Some products contain tartrazine dye. Avoid, especially
if you are allergic to aspirin.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
Generic Name or Drug Class Combined Effect
_________________________________________________________________________
Ergot Preparations Unpredictable increased or
decreased effect of either
drug.
Narcotics Decreased narcotic effect.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
Interacts with Combined effect
_________________________________________________________________________
Alcohol: None expected. However, alcohol
may trigger a migraine headache.
