Verapamil

Q: What should be discussed with my healthcare provider before I start the medication of Verapamil?

Liver disease , Kidney disease , Heart failure , Nerve diseases like myasthenia gravis or muscular weakness , Low blood pressure

Molecule Description

Verapamil is a Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) that relaxes the muscles of the he

art and blood vessels. It is prescribed in cases of high blood pressure, chest pain and disorders in heart rhythm. Its action is more selective for the heart muscles as compared to other CCBs.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Verapamil

Verapamil is used to treat the following conditions:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Chest pain (angina)
Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
Atrial fibrillation/ flutter
Migraine
Secondary prevention of myocardial infarction

Contraindications of Verapamil

When should one not use Verapamil

Allergy to Verapamil
Heart failure
Low blood pressure
If you often faint along with slow heartbeats
If you suffer from a condition known as sick sinus syndrome or atrioventricular block
Any problem in the heart chambers

Side effects of Verapamil

Common side effects of this drug are:

Minor side effects:
Constipation
Sore throat, nose block, sinus pain
Head pain
Acidity, belching
Joint pain and swelling
Stomach upset
Muscle pain
Sleep trouble
Bowel trouble
Major side effects:
Allergic reaction: itching, swelling or rash on any part of the body
Fever, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, body pain
Weakness, faintness, light headedness
Heartbeats becoming irregular, fast or slow
Weight gain, swelling over ankles and feet, breathlessness with slightest exertion
Chest pain, gasping for breath, wheezing, anxiety, cough with frothy mucus
Confusion
Your blood pressure, liver and kidney functions need to be assessed regularly while you are on this drug

Precautions and Warnings of Verapamil

Pregnancy

Can I take Verapamil during pregnancy?

Verapamil is not considered ‘safe’ for use during pregnancy. Hence, it should not usually be used during pregnancy because other relatively safer alternatives are available to control the blood pressure level.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Verapamil while breastfeeding?

Whether Verapamil passes into the mother’s milk is not precisely known. Hence, it is preferably avoided during breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Verapamil?

Be cautious as Verapamil may make you feel dizzy or sleepy.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Verapamil?

Drinking alcohol can increase the side effects of Verapamil and also lower your blood pressure.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if:
Heart problem (aortic stenosis)
Very low blood pressure
Liver disease
Recent heart attack

Mode of Action of Verapamil

How Does It Work?

Calcium ions are needed for active contraction of smooth muscles in the heart and blood vessels. It inhibits transport of these calcium ions across membranes of heart cells and blood vessels. This inh...
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When used for chest pain, Verapamil dilates the main vessels of the heart. This relaxes the coronary artery and prevents it from going into a spasm. When used for treating irregular heartbeat, it prol...
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Interactions of Verapamil

Interactions with other medicines

Aspirin
Digoxin or Digitalis
Other blood pressure and heart medicines
Some antibiotics
Imatinib
Clonidine
HIV/ AIDS medication
Hepatitis C medication
Antifungal medication
Tuberculosis medication
Cholesterol-lowering drugs like Statins
Seizure medication

Interactions with food items

Grapefruit juice and grapefruit should not be consumed by people who are taking Verapamil as these can increase the effects of the medicine and can cause a drastic drop in the blood pressure level.

Dietary Restrictions of Verapamil

If your doctor advised you a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Dosage of Verapamil

Overdose

An overdose of Verapamil can be fatal. Hence, in case of an overdose, seek emergency care. You will be observed for 48 hours most likely in a hospital set up to check for any immediate or delayed reac...

Missed a Dose

It is ideal not to miss a dose. Missed dose can be taken when you remember it if there is sufficient time left for the next scheduled dose. Do not compensate for the missed dose by taking an extra dos...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should be discussed with my healthcare provider before I start the medication of Verapamil?

Liver disease
Kidney disease
Heart failure
Nerve diseases like myasthenia gravis or muscular weakness
Low blood pressure

Q: What should I know regarding the storage of medicine?

A: Store at room temperature. Away from heat, light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Q: When and how to consume the medicine?

A: Take Verapamil exactly as prescribed by your physician. Do not alter the dosages unless advised. Do not suddenly stop the drug since it can have adverse reactions. Do not chew, crush or break the extended release capsule or pill. Swallow it whole with water.

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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