| What is Verapamil?
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Verapamil based medications can be prescribed for several heart and blood pressure problems. |
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| Are there any side effects associated with Verapamil?
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Verapamil side effects may include congestive heart failure, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, rash, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat,
and upper respiratory infection.
If the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Less common or rare Verapamil side effects may include
angina, blurred vision, breast development in males, bruising, chest pain, confusion, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive milk secretion, fainting, fatigue, fever and rash, flushing, hair loss, heart attack, hives, impotence, increased urination, indigestion, intestinal blockage, joint pain, light-headedness upon standing up, limping, loss of balance, muscle cramps, pounding heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, shakiness, skin peeling, sleepiness, spotty menstruation, sweating, tingling or pins and needles,
and upset stomach. |
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| How is Verapamil taken?
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Follow the directions for taking Verapamil provided by your doctor. Calan, Isoptin, and Verelan can be taken with or without food. Calan SR and Isoptin SR should be taken with food.
Covera-HS, Calan SR, Isoptin SR, Verelan and Verelan PM must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. You may open Verelan capsules and sprinkle the pellets on a spoonful of cool applesauce. Swallow all of the mixture immediately, and then drink a
glass of cool water. Take this medication exactly as prescribed, even if you are feeling well. Try not to miss any doses. If the drug is not taken regularly, your condition can get worse. Check with your doctor before you stop taking this
drug since a slow reduction in the dose may be required. If you miss a
dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take
two doses at once. |
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| Are there any effects of taking Verapamil with other medications?
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Some medicines may interact with Verapamil. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
Verapamil with ACE inhibitor-type blood pressure drugs,
beta-blocker-type blood pressure drugs, vasodilator-type blood pressure drugs,
other high blood pressure drugs, alcohol, aspirin, amiodarone,
carbamazepine, chloroquine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, dantrolene,
digitalis, disopyramide, diuretics, erythromycin, flecainide, glipizide,
grapefruit juice, imipramine, lithium, nitrates, phenobarbital, phenytoin,
quinidine, rifampin, ritonavir, or theophylline. |
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| How should I store Verapamil?
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Store Verapamil at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. |
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