Tarka

Generic name: Trandolapril and verapamil hydrochloride

What is Tarka?

Tarka is used to treat high blood pressure. It combines two blood pressure drugs: an ACE inhibitor (trandolapril) and a calcium channel blocker (verapamil hydrochloride).

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

When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, Tarka can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

Doctors usually prescribe Tarka for patients who have been taking one of its components—trandolapril or sustained-release verapamil—without showing improvement. Tarka must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may take a few weeks before you get the full benefit of Tarka. You must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Tarka does not cure high blood pressure; it only keeps it under control.

Who should not take Tarka?

Do not take Tarka if you are sensitive to any component of this drug or to blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril or lisinopril. You cannot use Tarka if you have low blood pressure, certain types of heart disease or an irregular heartbeat, or if you have ever developed a swollen throat and difficulty swallowing (angioedema) while taking an ACE inhibitor. Make sure your doctor is aware of any past trouble.

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

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Tarka. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are undergoing surgery or if you have: a history of angioedema, collagen vascular disease (a connective tissue disorder), diabetes, Duchenne's dystrophy (the most common type of muscular dystrophy), heart disease or heart failure, kidney or liver disease.

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.

Adults: Tarka comes in 4 strengths of trandolapril and sustained-release verapamil. Your doctor will prescribe a dose of Tarka that is close to the doses you were taking separately. Doses range from 1 to 4 milligrams (mg) of trandolapril and 180 to 480 mg of verapamil, given in a single daily dose or 2 divided doses.

Elderly or kidney or liver impairment: If you are over 65 years old, you may be more sensitive to Tarka. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure more closely and adjust your medication dose accordingly. If you have liver or kidney disease, your doctor will adjust your dosage accordingly.

The safety and effectiveness of Tarka in children under 18 years of age have not been established.

How should I take Tarka?

Take each dose with food, exactly as prescribed. Do not break, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the pills whole.

What should I avoid while taking Tarka?

Tarka may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Tarka.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Tarka.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Tarka and could lead to potentially dangerous effects.

Tarka sometimes causes a severe drop in blood pressure. The danger is especially great if you have been taking water pills (diuretics), or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or a potassium or salt imbalance. Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, and vomiting are also dangerous because they can deplete the body of water. This can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you feel lightheaded or faint, have chest pain, or feel your heart racing, lie down and contact your doctor immediately.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Tarka?

If Tarka 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 Tarka with the following: beta-blockers (such as atenolol and propranolol), carbamazepine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, disopyramide, diuretics (such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide), flecainide, lithium, phenobarbital, potassium-sparing diuretics (such as amiloride and spironolactone), potassium supplements, quinidine, rifampin, theophylline.

Because Tarka can increase the potassium level in your blood, you should avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium unless your doctor approves.

What are the possible side effects of Tarka?

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: constipation, cough, dizziness, headache, heartbeat irregularities, upper respiratory tract infection

Call your doctor right away if you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of the arms and legs; and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Because another ACE inhibitor, captopril, has been known to cause serious blood disorders, your doctor will check your blood regularly while you are taking Tarka. If you develop signs of infection such as a sore throat or a fever, you should contact your doctor at once.

Can I receive Tarka if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not take Tarka during pregnancy. When taken during the final 6 months, the ACE inhibitor in Tarka can cause birth defects, premature birth, and death of the developing or newborn baby. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Tarka.

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

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Tarka?

Keep the container tightly closed. Store at room temperature.