Prescal	Ciba	

Information for Patients

What you need to know about Prescal tablets 2.5mg

Please read both sides of this leaflet carefully before you start to take your tablets. It contains important information about your tablets.

What's in your medicine

Prescal contains a substance called isradipine.  This is one of a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers.  Each tablet contains 2.5mg of isradipine along with the following inactive ingredients:
sodium lauryl sulphate, magnesium stearate, povidone, maize starch, lactose.

The tablets do not contain any artificial colourings.

Prescal comes in calendar packs containing 56 tablets.

Made by Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Horsham, West Sussex.
Product Licence Holder: Ciba-Geigy plc, Hulley Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Under licence from Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Limited.

What this medicine is used for

Prescal is a calcium channel blocker and is used to treat high blood pressure.

Before taking your medicine

•	Do you suffer from heart or blood vessel disorders other than high blood pressure?
	
•	Are you taking medicines for epilepsy (anticonvulsants)?
	
•	Are you taking any other medicines which your doctor does not know about?
	
•	Are you pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast feeding?
If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Other special warnings

•	If you feel dizzy when you start taking these tablets, do not drive or work machinery until this effect wears off.
	
•	Prescal is not suitable for children.
	
•	These tablets contain lactose and may be unsuitable for some people.

Taking your medicine

•	It is important to take your tablets at the right time. You must take them as instructed by your doctor. The usual starting dose is one tablet twice a day (morning and evening). This can be increased by your doctor if necessary.

	•	If you are not sure how many tablets to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
	
•	Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water or milk.  If necessary, the tablets may be broken in half along the scored line (see diagram).
	
•	Do not stop taking your tablets suddenly.  Ask your doctor first.	

•	If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose at the usual time.  Do NOT take a double dose.
	
•	If you accidentally take too many Prescal tablets, tell your doctor at once or contact your nearest hospital casualty department.

After taking your medicine

These tablets sometimes cause unwanted effects in some people.  If you get any of the following tell your doctor:
	
•	Fast heart beat or palpitations.
	
•	Swelling of the ankles, feet or lower legs.
	
•	Skin troubles such as rash or itching for the first time.

Other effects which may occur include:

•	Headaches.
	
•	Flushing of the face.
	
•	Dizziness or light-headedness.

These effects are often mild and may wear off after a few days' treatment.  If they are severe or last for more than a few days, tell your doctor.  Also, if your tablets upset you in any other way, tell your doctor.

Storing your medicine

•	The expiry date for these tablets is given on the carton.  Do not take the tablets after this date.
	
•	Keep your tablets in their original container out of reach of children.  Return any unused tablets to your pharmacist.

REMEMBER: this medicine is for you.  Only a doctor can prescribe it for you.  Never give it to someone else.  It may harm them even if they have the same symptoms as you.

The information in this leaflet applies only to Prescal.  This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your tablets.  If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Date: September l993	Copyright Ciba-Geigy plc.