Drug Uses

Isoptin is useful in the treatment of high blood pressure. However it can also be made useful for certain other conditions as and when prescribed by your doctor.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Isoptin with a meal or even without one.

Please drink a full glass of water with Isoptin. Avoid the consumption of grapefruit juice with the prescribed dosage. Do not chew or crush the dosage and try to swallow it whole with water.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Isoptin being a calcium channel blocker mainly relaxes the blood vessels and thus lowers the blood pressure.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Isoptin at room temperature preferably between 15 to 25 degrees C. Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Isoptin if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like certain heart problems, very low blood pressure, pre-excitation syndromes, have suffered through shock because of some serious heart problem, or if you are into erythromycin, dofetilide, disopyramide or even electriptan.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc) while under the effect of the dosage.

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Isoptin. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Isoptin before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.
Caution must be maintained in case of elderly patients and also in case of children, as they might be sensitive towards the dosage.

Pregnancy Info

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Isoptin to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then you must avoid taking the medicine as it is known to be fond in the breast milk.