Verapamil

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of high blood pressure and/or chest pain from the heart. This is called angina.
• It is also used for irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and prevention of migraine headaches.

How does it work?

• Verapamil blocks certain channels in blood vessels that cause relaxation. This results in a lowering of blood pressure and an increased blood flow to the heart, resulting in less chest pain.

How is it best taken?

• Take liquid (suspension)/tablets with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• A suspension is available if you cannot swallow tablets or who have feeding tubes. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine administration. Shake well first.
• Take sustained-release capsules with food. Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can increase blood pressure.
• Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe headaches.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
• No bowel movement in 3 days.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.
• Store liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Throw away after 30 days.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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