How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Nylidrin belongs to a group of medications called vasodilators. Vasodilators cause the blood vessels to dilate (increase in size). Nylidrin is sometimes used to treat seniors with certain types of mental disorders that may be caused by not enough blood circulation to the brain. It is also used to treat problems such as leg ulcers caused by poor blood circulation in the legs.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each round white tablet, imprinted with "A" and bisected on one side, contains 6 mg of nylidrin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, gelatin, cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized starch. This medication does not contain yeast or gluten.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of nylidrin is 12 mg to 24 mg daily in 3 or 4 divided doses for certain types of mental disorders. For blood vessel disorders of the legs, the recommended adult dose is 12 mg to 48 mg daily in 3 to 4 divided doses.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It may take some time before the benefits of this medication are seen. This medication may be taken with or without food.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to nylidrin or any ingredients of this medication
- have a particular type of abnormal heart rhythm called paroxysmal tachycardia
- have angina that is getting worse
- have recently suffered a heart attack
- have the thyroid condition known as thyrotoxicosis
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- flushing or redness of the face
- headache
- nausea
- nervousness
- trembling
- vomiting
- weakness
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- continuing weakness or tiredness
- dizziness
- fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
- low blood pressure, causing tiredness, dizziness or irritability
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- chest pain
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's disease and memory loss due to the aging process are not relieved by this medication. Nylidrin is not intended to be used by people with Alzheimer's disease, or memory lapses do to the aging process.
Heart conditions: People with certain heart conditions should be closely monitored with regular check-ups by their doctor while taking this medication. People with a heart condition should not take this medication unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Heart disease: Nylidrin can cause rapid heartbeat and decreased blood pressure, which may make symptoms of congestive heart failure and other heart problems worse. If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
People with a heart condition should not take this medication unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Pregnancy: The effects of this medication during pregnancy are not known. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between nylidrin and any of the following:
- other vasodilators (e.g., nitroglycerin)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Arlidin
