GENERIC NAME: MIBEFRADIL - ORAL (my-BEFF-ruh-dill)

BRAND NAME(S): Posicor

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, mibefradil relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina). This drug has been withdrawn from the U.S. market due to safety or effectiveness problems.

HOW TO USE: This drug is usually taken once daily by mouth. Follow directions exactly and do not stop taking this medication without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. The full effect of the drug should occur after taking this for 1 to 2 weeks. When switching from mibefradil to certain other blood pressure medicines, it is advised to stop the mibefradil for a period of time before starting the new medicine. Consult your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Generally this drug is well tolerated. Dizziness, headache, leg swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, unusual fatigue or nasal congestion might occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report promptly: fainting spells, very slow heartbeat, breathing difficulties, skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart conditions, very low blood pressure, liver problems. To lessen the possible problem of feeling dizzy upon standing, stand up slowly from a lying or sitting position. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Avoid use around the time of labor and birth. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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