Mavik

Generic name: Trandolapril

What is Mavik?

Mavik is a type of blood-pressure lowering medication known as an ACE inhibitor. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications. Mavik is also used to help reduce the risk of death from heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack.

What is the most important information I should know about Mavik?

Mavik can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or gut (causing severe abdominal pain). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Mavik may rarely cause a yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can be a sign of liver dysfunction. Notify your doctor immediately if this occurs.

Mavik may cause lightheadedness or fainting caused by very low blood pressure, especially upon standing from a lying or sitting position. A very low blood pressure can also be caused by not drinking enough fluids, if you sweat too much, or have excessive diarrhea or vomiting. Mavik should be taken with caution in patients who have congestive heart failure.

You should not take any potassium supplements or salt substitutes without talking to your doctor first because Mavik could cause an increase in potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), which can be dangerous. You are at risk of developing hyperkalemia if you have diabetes or kidney problems, or are taking potassium-sparing diuretics or anything with potassium in it.

If you get any type of infection (sore throat/fever) while taking Mavik, promptly report it to your doctor. Mavik may decrease your levels of infection-fighting white blood cells, especially if you have systemic lupus erythematosus or kidney disease. If you have one of these conditions, your doctor will monitor you closely by taking regular blood samples.

When taken during pregnancy, ACE inhibitors such as Mavik can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, stop taking Mavik and contact your doctor immediately.

Who should not take Mavik?

You should not take Mavik if you have had a previous allergic reaction or are sensitive to Mavik or any other ACE inhibitor.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Mavik?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Mavik. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, planning to undergo any surgery and/or anesthesia, or if you have ever had an allergy or sensitivity to an ACE inhibitor such as Mavik.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Hypertension

Adults: The usual starting dose is 1 milligram (mg) once a day in nonblack patients and patients not taking a diuretic. The usual starting dose in black patients is 2 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase your individual dose to 2-4 mg daily. Dose adjustments should be made at intervals of at least 1 week.

Patients treated with 4 mg once daily dosing may be treated with twice daily dosing if they are not adequately responding. If their blood pressure is not controlled with just Mavik, a diuretic may be added.

To reduce the chance of hypotension in patients who are currently being treated with a diuretic, the diuretic should be stopped 2-3 days before starting Mavik, if possible. If blood pressure is not controlled with Mavik alone, the diuretic should be started again. If the diuretic cannot be stopped, an initial dose of Mavik 0.5 mg should be used with careful medical supervision for several hours until blood pressure has been stabilized. The dosage should be subsequently titrated to the optimal response.

Adults: Heart Failure Post Myocardial Infarction or Left-Ventricular Dysfunction Post Myocardial Infarction

Adults: The usual starting dose is 1 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase your individual dose up to 4 mg daily.

Adults: Renal Impairment (CrCl less than 30 mL/min) or Hepatic Cirrhosis

Adults: The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg daily. Your doctor may or may not increase your dose based on your individual condition.

How should I take Mavik?

Mavik can be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time every day.

What should I avoid while taking Mavik?

Avoid operating automobiles or heavy machinery until you know how Mavik will affect you. Avoid becoming very dehydrated and drink adequate fluids while taking Mavik, because this could cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Avoid taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes without talking to your doctor first.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Mavik?

If Mavik is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Mavik with the following: certain inhalation anesthetics; potassium supplements; salt substitutes containing potassium; thiazide-type diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide; "potassium sparing" diuretics such as spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene; lithium; or NSAIDs.

What are the possible side effects of Mavik?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: headache, dizziness, diarrhea, cough, low blood pressure, fainting, increased uric acid blood levels, increased nitrogen blood levels, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, acid reflux, increased potassium blood levels, slow heart rate, low blood calcium levels, muscle weakness, elevated blood creatinine levels, inflammation of the stomach, cardiogenic shock, intermittent pain and/or weakness of the body, stroke, numbness/weakness

Can I receive Mavik if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Mavik is considered a Category D medication. This means that taking it while you are pregnant could cause serious harm or even death to your unborn baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Mavik is excreted in breast milk, and should not be taken if you are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Mavik?

If you forget to take Mavik, do not double your next dose. Skip the dose you missed and then return to your normal dosing schedule.

How should I store Mavik?

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container and protect from light.