Isoptin SR Dosage/Direction for Use

The doses of Isoptin SR 240mg, individualized according to the severity of the disease, are to be taken regularly as prescribed by the physician. The film coated tablets are to be swallowed whole with some fluid, preferably with or shortly after meals. Unless otherwise instructed, the daily dose for adults is 1 film coated tablet in the morning (patients requiring particularly gradual blood pressure lowering should be started on half tablet taken in the morning). If after about 2 weeks of treatment a dose increase is found to be necessary the dose can be raised to a maximum of 2 film coated tablets daily (additionally 1 half to 1 film coated tablet in the evening after an interval of about 12 hours). On long-term treatment a daily dose of 480mg should not be exceeded; short-term dose increases are possible only when directed by the physician. For children and adults requiring smaller doses of verapamil, Isoptin 40mg and 80mg are available. In patients with impaired hepatic function the effect of verapamil is intensified and prolonged depending on the severity of the liver disease due to the diminished drug metabolism. In these cases dosage should be adjusted with special care starting with low doses (eg. in patients with hepatic cirrhosis with 1 tablet 40mg 2-3 times daily).
Special Population: Renal Impairment: Current available data are described in Precautions. Verapamil hydrochloride should be used cautiously and with close monitoring in patients with impaired renal function.
Liver Impairment: In patients with impaired liver function, metabolism of the drug is delayed to a greater or lesser extent depending on the severity of hepatic dysfunction, thus potentiating and prolonging the effects of verapamil hydrochloride. Therefore, the dosage needs to be adjusted with special caution in patients with impaired liver function and low doses should be given initially (see Precautions).
Method of administration: For oral use only.
Tablets should be taken without sucking or chewing, with sufficient liquid, preferably with or shortly after meals.