Trandolapril 4 mg with verapamil sustained-release 240 mg fixed-dose combination tablet (Tarka) to be listed on PBSTrandolapril 4 mg with verapamil sustained-release 240 mg fixed-dose combination tablet (Tarka) to be listed on PBS

Published 2007-04-01 00:00:00

Trandolapril with verapamil sustained release (SR) in a fixed-dose combination tablet (Tarka) will be listed on the PBS on 1 May 2007. This listing is restricted to people already stabilised on antihypertensive treatment with trandolapril 4 mg and verapamil SR 240 mg1 who wish to reduce the number of tablets they take each day. Using the combination tablet will save one co-payment per month.

Combination tablet doses have limited dosing flexibility
While the maximum recommended daily dose for trandolapril (4 mg) for hypertension is contained in the fixed-dose combination, verapamil SR tablets may be titrated up to a maximum dose of 240 mg twice a day for hypertension.2 Hypertension is a condition that changes over time, so dose adjustments may be required but are not possible with this preparation.

Combination therapy for hypertension usually contains a diuretic2, so relatively few patients would be stabilised on trandolapril and verapamil for hypertension. Trandolapril 4 mg with verapamil SR 240 mg as a fixed dose combination is more effective than either drug dose given as monotherapy.3

Starting the combination tablet
Weigh the potential convenience of a switch against the risk of confusion and medication errors. Advise people switching to the combination tablets to stop taking their separate trandolapril and verapamil SR tablets. Advise patients that adverse effects appear to be similar to those of the individual components.4

References

  1. Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. November 2006 positive recommendations. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2006. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/pbacrec-nov06-positive (accessed 23 January 2007).
  2. Rossi S, ed. Australian Medicines Handbook. Adelaide, Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd, 2007.
  3. Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. Public summary document: Trandolapril with verapamil 4 mg-240 mg. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2006. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/pbac-psd-trandolapril-nov06 (accessed 23 January 2007).
  4. Abbott Australasia. Tarka product information. 8 December 2006.
RSS FeedRSS feed

Date published: 2007-04-01 00:00:00

Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.

References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.