TARKA (TRANDOLAPRIL/VERAPAMIL HCL)

Tarka Description

Tarka is a combination drug your doctor may recommend if you have high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Without diagnosis and treatment, hypertension can raise your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. Many people are completely unaware they have high blood pressure until a routine doctor exam because there are very few symptoms that something is even wrong.

How the Active Ingredients Work in Your Body

One of the active ingredients of Tarka is Trandolapril, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that works immediately to decrease the amount of an enzyme called angiotensin that constricts your blood vessels. This action helps to keep your blood vessels dilated and allows for better blood flow.

Verapamil HCl (Hydrochloride) is a slow release calcium channel blocker (CCB) that stops calcium from entering into the muscle cells of your heart and arteries. Calcium is the reason your heart contracts and arteries narrow. Tarka will help to decrease contractions of your heart and widen the arteries so your heart is not straining for oxygen as it tries to pump sufficient blood to your tissues and other organs. Together, these drugs can restore proper blood flow so your heart does not have to work so hard.

Conditions Treated by Tarka

There are no definite reasons why some people become hypertensive. Bad eating habits, obesity, stress, or a family history of high blood pressure can alert you to your risk for high blood pressure so you can take precautions and avoid a possible heart attack. You can minimize your chances that your arteries will become clogged up with plaque by eating healthier. Take time out from your hectic daily schedule and book a doctor visit. Some individuals may require Tarka long-term while others may be able to lower and/or maintain their blood pressure if they eliminate excess salt in their diet, stay active, quit smoking, and limit their alcohol consumption.

Before You Take Tarka

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding before taking Tarka as it is harmful to unborn and nursing babies. You should ask your doctor about using birth control pills or devices so you will not become pregnant while taking Tarka. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have and provide a list of current OTC and Rx medications you are taking, including dietary and vitamin supplements or herbal remedies because other drugs may interact negatively when combined with Tarka or affect its efficacy.

Tarka Precautions and Recommendations

If you are scheduled for any surgical procedures, tell your surgeon or doctor beforehand you are taking Tarka as you may be required to stop taking it for a limited time pre/post operatively. Do not stop taking Tarka once your blood pressure readings are favorable without talking to your doctor first. Keeping a record of your blood pressure can help your doctor decide if you are able to stop taking Tarka or if a dosage adjustment is required.

Possible Side Effects of Tarka

• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Constipation/diarrhea
• Back or joint pain