**Off Market Drug**
This medication is no longer available in the United States. Information provided here is for reference purposes only.
Pronunciation:
lev-am-loe-di-peen
Trade Name(s)
Ther. Class.
Pharm. Class.
Hypertension (as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensives).
Inhibits the transport of calcium into myocardial and vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting primarily in peripheral arterial vasodilation.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
Reduction in blood pressure.
Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration (64–90%).
Distribution: Unknown.
Protein Binding: 93%.
Metabolism and Excretion: Mostly metabolized by the liver; primarily excreted in urine (10% as unchanged drug).
Half-life: 30–50 hr.
TIME/ACTION PROFILE (plasma concentrations)
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
---|---|---|---|
PO | unknown | 6–12 hr | unknown |
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
CV: peripheral edema, palpitations
Derm: flushing
GI: abdominal pain, nausea
Neuro: dizziness, drowsiness
Misc: fatigue
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.
Drug-Drug
PO (Adults): 2.5–5 mg once daily.
PO (Adults >65 yr): Initiate at 1.25 mg once daily, ↑ as required/tolerated (up to 5 mg/day).
PO (Children ≥6 yr): 1.25–2.5 mg once daily.
Hepatic Impairment
PO (Adults): Initiate at 1.25 mg once daily, ↑ as required/tolerated (up to 5 mg/day).
Tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg
Lab Test Considerations:
Total serum calcium concentrations are not affected by calcium channel blockers.
Advise patient to notify health care professional immediately if worsening chest pain or heart attack occurs.
Decrease in BP.