Tarka (Trandolapril/Verapamil)

What is Tarka?

Tarka  is a combination of two drugs, trandolapril and verapamil. While Trandolapril belongs to a class of drugs known as the ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitors, Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker.

What is Tarka used for?

Tarka is used for treating high blood pressure or hypertension and thus, helps lower the risk of developing other related health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. This combination of trandolapril and verapamil is generally used when one medication fails to control high blood pressure.

How does Tarka work?

Tarka works by relaxing blood vessels, thereby allowing easy flow of blood and lowering the blood pressure.

How to use Tarka

Ask your physician about the dosage and make sure you take all the doses without missing any for the best results of the drug. Take Tarka by swallowing and do not crush or chew it, as this can alter the effects of the drug.

Usually, it is directed to be taken once a day, orally and preferably with food, but the doses can differ according to your medical condition and other health-related factors. So the best judge of the frequency and intensity of your Tarka dose is your physician. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

Tarka warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to trandolapril, verapamil, or to any other ACE inhibitor. Also, if you are suffering from heart rhythm disorder, sick sinus syndrome/ AV block, or low blood pressure, it is advisable not to consume this medication.

Before starting your course of treatment with Tarka, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have diabetes, liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome.

It is highly recommended not to drive or perform any attention demanding task after taking your Tarka dose, as it is known to make the patient feel dizzy. Also, after taking this medicine, do not get up too fast from a lying or sitting position in order to prevent a fall.

While you are on Tarka, drink plenty of water everyday as the medicine can make you dehydrated. Also, potassium supplements or salt substitutes should not be used alongside. If you need to go in for any kind of surgery, tell your surgeon in advance about the use of this medicine. You may be required to stop taking the medicine temporarily.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this medication unless prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

What do I do if I have missed a Tarka dose?

If you have missed your Tarka dose, you should take it as soon as you recall. Skip the missed one in case it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Tarka overdose?

If you have taken a Tarka overdose, you should talk to your doctor for advice and do not try any remedy on your own.

Tarka interactions

Prior to taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all the prescribed, non-prescribed, and herbal medicines that you are taking, in order to prevent any possible drug interaction.

It is advised not to start, stop or alter the frequency and intensity of the Tarka doses on your own and make sure your doctor is aware if especially you are on dofetilide, aliskiren, disopyramide, lithium, drospirenone, water pills and spironolactone.

Also, seek a prior medical recommendation if you are on atorvastatin, rifamycins like rifampin, St.  John’s Wort and Phenobarbital along with Tarka.

Check with your physician if you are already taking cough-and-cold drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen for pain and fever reduction or nonprescription medicines containing aspirin.

Tarka side effects

Commonly known side effects of Tarka, which are experienced for some time as the body adjusts to the drug, include dizziness, dry cough, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, headache, and slow heartbeat. These side effects should disappear within a few days but if they persist, contact your doctor.

Some rare but serious side effects of Tarka, which need immediate medical attention, are fever, persistent sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, decreased urination, weight gain, chest pain, jaundice, serious allergic reactions like skin rash; swelling of face, tongue, or throat; and breathing problems.