Verapamil (By mouth)
ver-AP-a-mil
Treats high blood pressure, severe angina, and arrhythmia. This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.
Drug classes
Antianginal, Antiarrhythmic, Group IV, Antihypertensive, Antimigraine, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Verapamil is used alone or together with other medicines to treat heart rhythm problems, severe chest pain (angina), or high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, verapamil relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Long Acting Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Swallow the extended-release tablets or extended-release capsules whole. Do not crush, break, or chew them.
If you take the Verelan® or Verelan® PM extended-release capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how verapamil works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
A diuretic (water pill) Aspirin Carbamazepine, phenobarbital Cholesterol medicine Cyclosporine Digoxin Erythromycin, telithromycin Lithium Medicine for heart rhythm problems Rifampin Ritonavir Theophylline VecuroniumDo not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to verapamil, or you have low blood pressure or certain heart problems identified by your doctor.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney, liver, nerve, or muscle disease. Tell your doctor about all heart problems that you have.
This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine may cause a serious liver problem.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you use this medicine.
Your blood pressure may go up if you stop this medicine. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast, slow, uneven, or pounding heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles
Trouble breathing
Unusual tiredness or weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Calan, Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan PM
There may be other brand names for this medicine.