Vascor (Bepridil) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Vascor

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) »

What are calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and how do they work?

Calcium channel blockers are drugs that block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and arteries.

The entry of calcium is critical for the conduction of the electrical signal that passes from muscle cell to muscle cell of the heart, and signals the cells to contract.
It also is necessary in order for the muscle cells to contract and thereby pump blood.
In the arteries, the entry of calcium into muscle cells causes contraction of the cells and thereby dilates (widens) the arteries.
Thus, by blocking the entry of calcium, calcium channel blockers reduce electrical conduction within the heart, decrease the force of contraction (work) of the muscle cells, and dilate arteries.
Dilation of the arteries reduces blood pressure and thereby the effort the heart must exert to pump blood.
Combined with decr...

Read the Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) article »

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

VASCOR
(bepridil hydrochloride)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

VASCOR (bepridil hydrochloride) is a calcium channel blocker that has well characterized anti-anginal properties and known but poorly characterized type 1 anti-arrhythmic and anti-hypertensive properties. It has inhibitory effects on both the slow calcium and fast sodium inward currents in myocardial and vascular smooth muscle, interferes with calcium binding to calmodulin, and blocks both voltage and receptor operated calcium channels. It is not related chemically to other calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem hydrochloride, nifedipine and verapamil hydrochloride.

Bepridil hydrochloride monohydrate is a white to off-white, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It is slightly soluble in water, very soluble in ethanol, methanol and chloroform, and freely soluble in acetone. The molecular weight of bepridil hydrochloride monohydrate is 421.02. Its molecular formula is C ₂₄H ₃₄N ₂OÂ·HClÂ·H ₂O.

(±)-(beta)-[(2-Methylpropoxy)methyl]-N-phenyl- N -(phenyl- methyl)-1-pyrrolidineethanamine monohydrochloride monohydrate

VASCOR (bepridil) is available as film-coated tablets for oral use containing 200, 300, or 400 mg of bepridil hydrochloride monohydrate. Inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, silicon dioxide, pregelatinized corn starch, corn starch, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue #1.

What are the possible side effects of bepridil (Vascor)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking bepridil and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
fainting or severe dizziness;
chest pain;
abnormal behavior or psychosis;
yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice); or
swelling of your legs or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Vascor »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.