What is Tarka (Trandolapril Verapamil)?

Trandolapril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Verapamil is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels.
The combination of trandolapril and verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Trandolapril and verapamil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Tarka (Trandolapril Verapamil)?

Do not use trandolapril and verapamil if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking trandolapril and verapamil, unless your doctor has told you to.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking trandolapril and verapamil. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Tarka (Trandolapril Verapamil)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to trandolapril (Mavik) or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), or if you have:

• certain heart conditions, especially “sick sinus syndrome” or “AV block” (unless you have a pacemaker)
• a heart rhythm disorder
• low blood pressure; or
• if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), or ramipril (Altace)

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a trandolapril and verapamil dose adjustment or special tests:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• liver disease
• congestive heart failure
• diabetes; or
• a nerve-muscle disease such as muscular dystrophy

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use trandolapril and verapamil if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Trandolapril and verapamil can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
Trandolapril and verapamil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Tarka Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Tarka (Trandolapril Verapamil)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• urinating less than usual or not at all
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath
• feeling like you might pass out
• chest pain, slow heart rate; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• cough
• headache
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
• constipation, diarrhea
• dizziness
• back pain
• joint pain; or
• nausea

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tarka Interactions

What other drugs affect Tarka (Trandolapril Verapamil)?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• a diuretic (water pill)
• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
• gold injections (to treat arthritis)
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
• phenytoin (Dilantin) or carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane)
• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Respbid, Theo-Dur, and others)
• an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin)
• heart rhythm medicine such as disopyramide (Norpace), flecainide (Tambocor), or quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release); or
• a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta, Ziac), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with trandolapril and verapamil. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Tarka (Trandolapril Verapamil)?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking trandolapril and verapamil, unless your doctor has told you to.

Tarka Dosage

How should I take Tarka (Trandolapril Verapamil)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Trandolapril and verapamil works best if you take it with food.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking trandolapril and verapamil. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking trandolapril and verapamil. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Tarka (Trandolapril Verapamil)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling, seizure (convulsions), feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Tarka (Trandolapril Verapamil)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com