CORDILOX

Cordilox tablets modified release 240mg Why do I need this medicine? Verapamil helps to keep your blood pressure under control. Verapamil relaxes your blood vessels and this helps to lower your blood pressure. It may be used on its own or together with other medicines.

Verapamil is also used to manage other conditions such as arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heartbeat) and chest pain.

How do I take this medicine? Take Verapamil exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Verapamil must be taken regularly for it to work well. Continue taking Verapamil even when you feel better. Do not stop taking Verapamil unless instructed by your doctor.

Take Verapamil with food to minimise any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day.

If you have been given the sustained-release caplet (usually labelled as "SR"), swallow it whole. Do not chew or crush it. With the "SR" type of Verapamil, you may see a small tablet-shaped casing in your stool. This is normal; do not be alarmed. This casing is just an empty shell; the medicine inside it has already been absorbed by your body. What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Remember to take your medicine regularly. Verapamil must be taken exactly as directed for it to be effective. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know. Can I take this with other medicines? Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here:

- other heart or blood pressure medicines, especially digoxin, atenolol, propranolol
- antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin
- antifungals such as itraconazole, ketoconazole
- epilepsy medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin
- a gastric medicine called cimetidine
- an asthma medicine called theophylline
- a medicine used for transplant and rheumatoid illness called ciclosporin
- antiviral medicines such as ritonavir

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription. How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

When should I not use this medicine? Alert your doctor if you have kidney, liver or any kind of heart disease. Alert your doctor if you have ever had a stroke or if you have any blood circulation problems. What should I take note of while taking this medicine? Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant while being treated with Verapamil. Do not breastfeed while being treated with Verapamil.

If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Verapamil.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Your heart condition may also change without you noticing it. Your doctor needs to monitor you and check your response to the medication regularly. He may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Verapamil.

What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure or heart condition?

Regular exercise will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Do not over-exert yourself. Regular exercise will also help you to maintain a healthy weight and this is important in helping you control your blood pressure.

If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.

Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up. Stress may also worsen your heart condition. Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid grapefruit juice.

Avoid alcohol.

VERAPAMIL

What side effects could I experience? Verapamil may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert. Verapamil may also make you feel dizzy when you get up from a sitting or lying down position. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Verapamil may also cause constipation, headache, swelling of the feet, ankles or hand, tiredness, red flushing of the face and gum swelling. Practise good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. This will help to minimise the swelling of the gums. Constipation can be relieved with simple medicines such as laxatives and adequate fluid intake.

Alert your doctor if any of these side effects are severe or refuse to go away.

Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:

- unusually slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- worsening chest pain
- breathlessness
- swelling of the ankles, feet or hand that does not go away
- rashes