Bepridil
Bepridil is a calcium channel blocker that was primarily used to treat angina (chest pain) and sometimes hypertension. It works by blocking calcium channels in heart and blood vessel cells, reducing the heart's workload and improving oxygen supply to the heart. Due to serious safety concerns including risk of dangerous heart rhythms, Bepridil has been withdrawn from most markets worldwide.
A calcium channel blocker for angina that has been largely discontinued due to cardiac safety concerns.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C08EA02
- RxNorm
- 1436
- Generic
- Bepridil
- Class
- atc-c08
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 300-400mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not established
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200-300mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid near term
use with caution, may prolong labor and cause fetal distress
continuous fetal monitoring during labor
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65start at lowest dose
use with caution, increased sensitivity to drug effects
monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended
not approved for use in pediatric populations
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%
use with caution, requires dose adjustment
monitor renal function and serum electrolytes regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 50%
use with caution, extensively metabolized in liver
monitor liver function tests and ECG regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Common uses
Previously prescribed for chest pain due to coronary artery disease
Regulatory status
Withdrawn due to safety concerns about cardiac arrhythmias
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval date
Bepridil was used for the treatment of stable angina pectoris (effort-induced chest pain) and occasionally hypertension. Due to safety concerns, its use has been severely restricted or discontinued in most countries.
Bepridil blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac tissue. This causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), reduces cardiac contractility, and decreases heart rate, ultimately lowering the heart's oxygen demand and improving blood flow to the heart muscle.
Bepridil carries a significant risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias including QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. It has been withdrawn from the US market and many other countries. Contraindicated in patients with heart failure, arrhythmias, or electrolyte abnormalities. Requires careful ECG and electrolyte monitoring. This medication is no longer commonly prescribed due to its unfavorable safety profile.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy