bepridil (Vascor)

Bepridil is prescribed for patients with angina pectoris (heart pain) due to coronary artery disease.

Vascor (bepridil hydrochloride) is indicated for the treatment of chronic stable angina (classic effort-associated angina). Because Vascor (bepridil) has caused serious ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes type ventricular tachycardia, and the occurrence of cases of agranulocytosis associated with its use (see WARNINGS), it should be reserved for patients who have failed to respond optimally to, or are intolerant of, other anti-anginal medication.

Vascor (bepridil) may be used alone or in combination with beta-blockers and/or nitrates. Controlled clinical studies have shown an added effect when Vascor (bepridil) is administered to patients already receiving propranolol.

Is bepridil available as a generic drug?

No

Do I need a prescription for bepridil?

Yes

• Bepridil can cause very serious cardiac arrhythmias. The risk is increased in patients with a specific electrocardiographic abnormality called QT prolongation and in patients with low blood concentrations of potassium or magnesium.
• Bepridil also can cause increased or decreased heart rate and other abnormal rhythms.

Other side effects that can occur among patients taking bepridil include:

• flu-like symptoms,
• muscle aches,
• fever,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• loss of appetite,
• constipation,
• gas,
• stomach ache,
• dry mouth,
• diarrhea,
• headache,
• fatigue,
• nervousness,
• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• depression,
• inability to sleep,
• blurred vision,
• impotence, and
• reduction in sexual drive.

Bepridil usually is taken once daily. It can be taken with meals or at bedtime if nausea is a problem.

• Bepridil can reduce the strength with which the heart muscle contracts. Drugs which also have this effect when given together with bepridil could seriously reduce contraction of the heart and possibly precipitate congestive heart failure. Such drugs include quinidine (Quinaglute; Duraquin; Quinidex), procainamide (Procan-SR; Pronestyl), disopyramide (Norpace), flecainide (Tambocor), verapamil (Calan; Isoptin; Covera; Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem; Tiazac; Dilacor), and all beta-blockers, for example, atenolol (Tenormin).
• Bepridil slows the ability of the heart's muscle to recover electrically and get ready for the next contraction. Other drugs which have the same effect could interact with bepridil, possibly causing serious problems with abnormal heart rhythms and should be used cautiously if at all with bepridil. Such drugs include quinidine (Quinaglute; Duraquin; Quinidex), procainamide (Procan-SR; Pronestyl), disopyramide (Norpace), flecainide (Tambocor), and tricyclic antidepressants, for example, amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep).
• Bepridil may increase levels of digoxin (Lanoxin) in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
• Diuretics, for example, furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide Demadex), hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton), metolazone (Zaroxolyn) may cause a reduction in blood potassium concentrations thereby increasing the risk of bepridil-induced abnormal heart rhythms.

• Bepridil crosses the placenta, and therefore should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential but unknown risk to the fetus.
• Bepridil is secreted into breast milk and therefore should not be used by breastfeeding mothers unless benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the potential but unknown risk to the infant.

What preparations of bepridil are available?

Tablets: 200 mg.

How should I keep bepridil stored?

Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).