Doctors often prescribe medications such as trandolapril and verapamil to people suffering from high blood pressure. Blood pressure depends on the level of narrowing of the veins and arteries in the body. In general, narrower veins and arteries equate to higher blood pressure. Both medications can be taken orally, offer the same storage requirements, and cause similar side effects.
Angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) form angiotensin II, which can cause high blood pressure. Trandolapril is an ACE inhibitor that can effectively lower high blood pressure when taken as prescribed. Verapamil on the other hand, is in the calcium channel blocker class of medications. Blocking calcium from entering muscle cells relaxes the muscle cells and allows more blood to flow through the arteries. Relaxing the arteries in this fashion can help reduce blood pressure.
Trandolapril tablets are available in various strengths. Salmon-colored tablets contain 0.000035 ounce (1 milligram) trandolapril while yellow tablets contain 0.00007 ounce (2 milligrams). Rose-colored tablets are the strongest trandolapril tablets available containing 0.00014 ounce (4 milligrams) trandolapril.
Verapamil manufacturers offer several different forms of their medication including immediate release tablets, sustainable release caplets, and extended release tablets. Immediate release verapamil tablets are available in 0.0014, 0.0028, and 0.0042 ounce (40, 80, and 120 milligram) strengths. Verapamil sustainable release caplets come in 0.0042, 0.0063, 0.0084, and 0.0126 ounce (120, 180, 240, and 360 milligram) caplets. Extended release tablets contain 0.0035, 0.0042, 0.0063, 0.007, 0.0084, and 0.01 ounce (100, 120, 180, 200, 240, and 300 milligrams) doses of verapamil.
Trandolapril and verapamil can both get stored under the same conditions. Manufacturers recommend storing their trandolapril and verapamil products at around room temperature. Room temperature can generally range anywhere from 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Tablets and caplets should be stored in light-resistant, airtight containers.
Pregnant women should not take trandolapril because ACE inhibitors can harm fetuses in utero. This medication also passes through breast milk and should not be taken by nursing women. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their doctors before taking verapamil because this medication also passes through the placenta and breast milk.
While trandolapril and verapamil can produce similar side effects, they also both offer different possible side effects. Dizziness and fatigue are two common side effects linked with these medications. Taking ACE inhibitors such as trandolapril may impair kidney function. In some patients, verapamil may cause the lower extremities to swell.