Index
It is a prescription medication that is available as the brand name drugs Verelan PM (extended-release) and Verelan (delayed-release).
The oral extended-release capsule is also available as a generic medicine.
Generic drugs usually cost less. Sometimes, they may not be available in all strengths or forms, such as the brand.
Verapamil is also available as an extended-release oral tablet (Calan SR) and an oral immediate-release tablet (Calan). Both forms of these tablets are also known as generic medications.
What is it used for?
Verapamil extended-release forms are used to lower blood pressure.
How does it work?
Verapamil is a blocker of calcium channels. It relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow, which helps reduce blood pressure.
This medicine affects the amount of calcium in the heart and muscle cells. This relaxes the blood vessels, reducing the amount of work your heart has to do.
Side effects of Verapamil
The oral verapamil capsule may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how it affects you. It can also cause other side effects.
The most common side effects
The most common side effects that occur with Verapamil include:
- Constipation.
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction.
- Weakness or fatigue
Serious side effects
If you experience these severe side effects, call your doctor immediately. If your symptoms are life-threatening or if you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911:
- Difficult breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting.
- Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or pain in the chest.
- Acne.
- Slow heartbeat.
- Swelling of your legs or ankles.
Remember that drugs affect each person differently, so any information may be incomplete, including all possible side effects. This means that you should always go to the doctor who is the one that will give you a personalized treatment.
Interactions
All interactions counteract the effects of medication.
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should handle all your medications carefully. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, vitamins, or herbs you take. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out how this medication might interact with something else you are taking.
Examples of medications that can cause interactions with Verapamil are listed below:
Drugs for cholesterol
The combination of certain medications for cholesterol with Verapamil can cause an increase in the levels of the cholesterol medication in your body. This can cause side effects, such as severe muscle pain.
The examples are:
- Simvastatin.
- Lovastatin.
Drugs for heart rhythm
Dofetilide: Taking Verapamil and dofetilide together can increase the amount of dofetilide in your body by a significant amount. This combination can also cause a severe heart condition called torsade de points. Do not take these medications together.
Disopyramide: The combination of this medication with Verapamil can damage the left ventricle. Avoid taking disopyramide 48 hours before or 24 hours after taking Verapamil.
Flecainide: The combination of Verapamil with flecainide may cause additional effects on the contractions and rhythm of your heart.
Quinidine: In certain patients, quinidine with Verapamil can cause external blood pressure. Do not use these drugs together.
Amiodarone: The combination of amiodarone with Verapamil can change how the heart contracts. This can cause a slow heartbeat, heart rhythm problems, or reduced blood flow. You must be monitored very closely if you are in this combination.
Digoxin: Long-term use of Verapamil can increase the amount of digoxin in your body to toxic levels. If you take any form of digoxin, you may need to reduce your digoxin dose, and you should be monitored closely.
