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Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medications (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) > Tarka and Equivalent

Tarka (Trandolapril/Verapamil SR) Information

Tarka is a combination medication containing two active ingredients - trandolapril and verapamil hydrochloride ER. Trandolapril is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor, and verapamil is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). This medication is used to treat mild-to-moderate high blood pressure (hypertension). By lowering blood pressure, Tarka helps reduce the workload on the heart and arteries, which protects against long-term damage to the brain, heart, and kidneys that can lead to stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. This medicine is typically prescribed only after other blood pressure medications have been tried without success, as it is not intended for the initial treatment of hypertension. It is taken by mouth, once daily, although your doctor may direct you to take it twice daily.

The mechanism of action involves a dual approach to relaxing the cardiovascular system. Trandolapril works by blocking the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that commonly causes blood vessels to tighten, thereby allowing them to relax. Verapamil works by controlling the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. This reduces the force of heart contractions and relaxes the arteries, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and increasing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

Tarka Side Effects

Tarka is generally well-tolerated, but some common side effects may occur as the body adjusts to the combined ingredients. Commonly reported effects include a persistent dry cough, dizziness or light-headedness (especially when standing up quickly), headache, fatigue or unusual tiredness, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and mild joint or back pain. Some patients may also experience facial flushing or mild swelling in the hands or feet.

More serious side effects can occur and require immediate medical attention. Stop taking the medication and seek help if you experience:
• Changes in heart rhythm: A very fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, or a feeling of skipping beats.
• Heart failure symptoms: Sudden weight gain, worsening shortness of breath, or increased swelling of the feet, legs, or abdomen.
• High potassium levels: Muscle weakness, confusion, or numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, or lips.
• Kidney problems: A significant decrease in the amount or frequency of urine, or bloody urine.
• Liver dysfunction: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or pain in the upper right side of the stomach.
• Severe allergic reactions (angioedema): Sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; or severe hives.
• Severe hypotension: Fainting or extreme dizziness that does not go away.

Tarka Precautions

Do not use Tarka if you are allergic to trandolapril, verapamil, or any other ACE inhibitor. It is also contraindicated for patients with severe heart conditions like sick sinus syndrome or specific types of heart block (unless a pacemaker is present), or those with severe left ventricular dysfunction. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor of your complete medical history, especially if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, lupus, or a history of swelling of the tongue or throat. Tell your doctor about all medications you take, as Tarka may interact with other drugs. It may interact with water pills (diuretics), lithium, certain statins, and other heart medications like digoxin or beta-blockers. You must avoid salt substitutes containing potassium, as they can lead to dangerously high potassium levels in your blood.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. Tarka carries a Black Box Warning for fetal toxicity and must not be used during pregnancy. If you get pregnant, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor, as it can cause serious injury or death to the developing fetus. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor. Although the data is limited, both ingredients may pass into breast milk.

Take Tarka exactly as prescribed, ideally at the same time each morning with or after food to improve effectiveness. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, break, or chew them, as this can interfere with the extended-release formulation. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice, as they can significantly affect how your body processes verapamil. Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and keep out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Tarka?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Tarka.