|
|
|
Tarka |
|
|
What is Tarka and why is it prescribed? Tarka is used to treat high blood pressure. It combines two blood pressure drugs: an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker. The ACE inhibitor (trandolapril) lowers blood pressure by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting to a more potent form that narrows the blood vessels and increases salt and water retention. The calcium channel blocker (verapamil hydrochloride) also works to keep the blood vessels open, and eases the heart's workload by reducing the force and rate of your heartbeat. Doctors usually prescribe Tarka for patients who have been taking one of its components, trandolapril (Mavik) or sustained-release verapamil (Calan SR, Isoptin SR), without showing improvement. Like other blood pressure medications, Tarka must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Tarka does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Tarka? Follow your doctors directions for taking Tarka. Take each dose with food, exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Keep the container tightly closed. Store Tarka at room temperature. Are there any Tarka side effects? Tarka side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Tarka side effects may include constipation, cough, dizziness, headache, heartbeat irregularities, and upper respiratory tract infection. Less common Tarka side effects may include back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, fatigue, joint pain, nausea, pain in arms and legs, slow heartbeat, swelling, and upper respiratory tract congestion. Rare Tarka side effects may include anxiety, drowsiness, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, flushing, general feeling of illness, impotence, indigestion, muscle aches, rash, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Tarka? If Tarka is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tarka with Drugs classified as "beta blockers" (such as Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Disopyramide (Norpace), Diuretics (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL), Flecainide (Tambocor), Lithium (Lithonate, Lithobid), Phenobarbital, Potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Aldactone, Midamor, Dyrenium), Potassium supplements (such as K-Lyte, K-Tabs, and Slow-K), Quinidine (Quinidex), Rifampin (Rifadin), or Theophylline (Theo-Dur). Because Tarka can increase the potassium level in your blood, you should avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium unless your doctor approves. Are there any special warnings about Tarka? Call your doctor immediately if you begin to suffer angioedema while taking Tarka. Warning signs include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of the arms and legs; and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Bee or wasp venom given to prevent an allergic reaction to stings may cause a severe allergic reaction to Tarka. Kidney dialysis can also prompt an allergic reaction to the drug. Tarka sometimes causes a severe drop in blood pressure. The danger is especially great if you have been taking water pills, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or a potassium or salt imbalance. Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, and vomiting are also a threat. They can rob the body of water, causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you feel light-headed or faint, you should lie down and contact your doctor immediately. Because another of the ACE inhibitors, Capoten, 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, an infection could be a signal of blood abnormalities. Tarka may also affect the liver, so your doctor will perform liver function tests periodically. Report these symptoms of liver problems to your doctor immediately: a generally run-down feeling, fever, pain in the upper right abdomen, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes. If you have a heart condition, heart failure, cardiac irregularities, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or Duchenne's dystrophy, make certain that your doctor knows about it. Tarka should be used with caution under these circumstances. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
