Verapamil
About Verapamil
Verapamil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain), and arrhythmias (abnormal or irregular heart rhythms).
Verapamil contains Verapamil, which works by inhibiting the entry of calcium into the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. This relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the workload on the heart, helping to lower high blood pressure and slow the heart rate.
Take Verapamil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it. Verapamil may cause common side effects such as nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Please consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Verapamil if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have severe heart failure, severe hypotension (low blood pressure), severe bradycardia (slow heart rate), sick sinus syndrome (sinus node unable to control heartbeat properly), or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (rapid heart rate associated with dizziness). Verapamil should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor.
Uses of Verapamil
Medicinal Benefits
Verapamil offers the following medicinal benefits:
- Lowers high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing the blood vessels and decreasing the workload on the heart.
- Prevents and treats angina (chest pain) by improving blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.
- Controls abnormal or irregular heart rhythms by normalising electrical signals in the heart.
- May help reduce the episodes of migraine headaches.
Directions for Use
- Verapamil can be taken with or without food as advised by a doctor.
- Take Verapamil at a fixed time every day for the best results or as advised by a doctor.
- Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Verapamil
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Do not take Verapamil if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
- Verapamil is not recommended if you have conditions like severe heart failure, severe hypotension (low blood pressure), severe bradycardia (slow heart rate), sick sinus syndrome (sinus node unable to control heartbeat properly), or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (rapid heart rate associated with dizziness).
- Before taking Verapamil, inform your doctor if you have neuromuscular disorders (such as myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophy), first-degree heart block, or liver or kidney problems.
- Verapamil should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor.
- Verapamil may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Verapamil may interact with certain medicines, potentially increasing side effects or altering their effectiveness. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Lipid-lowering agents (Lomitapide)
• Potential effect: May significantly increase the blood levels of Lomitapide. - Drugs used to treat low sexual desire (Flibanserin)
• Potential effect: May significantly increase the blood levels of Flibanserin. - Drugs used to treat irregular heart rhythm (Dofetilide)
• Potential effect: May significantly increase the blood levels of Dofetilide and the risk of side effects. - Enzyme replacement/lysosomal storage disorder therapy (Eliglustat)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk or severity of side effects. - Cardiac stimulants (Arbutamine)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk or severity of irregular heart rhythms. - Drugs used to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders (Cisapride)
• Potential effect: May increase the blood levels of Cisapride and the risk of side effects. - Antipsychotics (Pimozide)
• Potential effect: May increase the blood levels and the risk of irregular heart rhythms. - Drugs used to treat high eye pressure (Timolol)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk or severity of side effects. - Drugs used to control blood pressure and heart rate during surgeries (Esmolol)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk or severity of side effects. - Anticancer drugs (Brigatinib)
• Potential effect: May increase the blood levels of Brigatinib and the risk of side effects.
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it may increase the effects of Verapamil.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Verapamil should be avoided or used with caution in people with:
- Severe heart failure
- Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Severe bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Porphyria (an inherited blood disorder)
- Sick sinus syndrome (sinus node unable to control heartbeat properly)
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (rapid heart rate associated with dizziness)
- Cardiogenic shock (Rapid and sudden drop in blood pressure)
- Second- or third-degree heart block
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is not recommended to consume alcohol while using Verapamil as it may worsen your condition.
Pregnancy
cautionVerapamil should be used only during the first trimester of pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionVerapamil should be taken during breastfeeding only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing this medicine.
Driving
cautionVerapamil may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy after taking this medicine.
Liver
cautionVerapamil should be used with caution if you have liver conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionVerapamil should be used with caution if you have kidney conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
cautionVerapamil should be used in children below 12 years only if clinically needed and if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is not recommended for use in young infants.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Dietary recommendations:
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit sodium chloride (table salt) intake to 2300 mg per day; ideally, less than 1500 mg for most adults.
- Including heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet.
- Use low-fat cooking oils such as olive, soybean, canola, and coconut oil to help lower your elevated blood pressure.
Lifestyle measures:
- Keep your weight under control with a body mass index (BMI) of 19.5-24.9.
- Do regular exercise for at least 150 minutes per week (about 30 minutes most days).
- Quit smoking and avoid consuming excessive alcohol.
- Try to reduce stress by practising mindfulness techniques and spending time with your loved ones.
- Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate daily, and if there are significant fluctuations, contact your doctor immediately.
Special Advise
- Let your doctor know that you are taking Verapamil if you are scheduled for surgery where an anaesthetic will be used (including dental treatment).
- Verapamil may cause low blood pressure and dizziness, so rise slowly from sitting or lying.
- Please do not stop taking the medication without discussing it with your doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension (high blood pressure): It is a chronic (lifelong) condition that happens when the blood pushes too hard against the walls of your arteries. It may not cause noticeable symptoms at first, but over time, it can damage blood vessels and affect your kidneys and other organs. If left uncontrolled, it can increase the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Angina pectoris: It is the medical term for heart-related chest pain. It occurs when the blood supply to the heart is reduced due to blockage of one or more coronary arteries. It may feel like squeezing, tightening, or pressure in the chest and can be accompanied by dizziness, sweating, heartburn, and difficulty breathing.
Arrhythmia: It is a condition in which your heart beats irregularly, too fast, or too slow. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fast or slow heartbeat. A normal heart rate is generally between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
FAQs
Verapamil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain), and arrhythmias (abnormal or irregular heart rhythms).
Verapamil contains Verapamil, which works by inhibiting the entry of calcium into the heart and blood vessel muscles. This relaxes the blood vessels, reduces the workload on the heart, and normalises the electrical signals in the heart. As a result, Verapamil lowers high blood pressure and controls the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat.
It is not recommended to take Verapamil with other medicines to treat high blood pressure, especially beta-blockers such as atenolol, propranolol, and metoprolol. It may cause an atrioventricular block (a type of heart block) and bradycardia (slow heart rate).
The common side effects of Verapamil are nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and low blood pressure. These side effects usually don’t require treatment and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
Verapamil should not be taken in people with any degree of heart failure (unless you have a pacemaker), who are taking beta-blockers, who have severe hypotension (low blood pressure), who have severe bradycardia (low heart rate), and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (rapid heart rate associated with dizziness).
To take Verapamil, swallow the medication whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it. Aim to take it at the same time every day to get the best results. Follow the dosage and duration your doctor prescribes, and do not adjust the dose without consulting them. Take Verapamil exactly as your doctor directs to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Verapamil should be used in children below 12 years only if clinically needed and if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is not recommended for use in young infants.
If you're feeling better, don't stop taking the medicine! Instead, report your progress to your doctor and follow their advice. Remember, finishing the full course of medicine is crucial to ensuring your condition is fully gone and doesn't come back. Your doctor will guide you on what to do next, so be sure to check in with them.
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders. It works by relaxing the blood vessels and decreasing the workload on the heart.
The duration of taking Verapamil varies depending on your specific condition and response to the medication. For chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or angina, Verapamil is typically taken long-term. Your doctor will assess your individual needs and determine the appropriate length of time for you to take Verapamil, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment.
Verapamil is generally considered safe when used as prescribed by a doctor. However, like all medications, it can have side effects and potential interactions with other drugs. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions and inform them of any pre-existing and existing medical conditions or medication history to avoid negative complications.
Yes, Verapamil causes dizziness, which is reported as the most common side effect. Please ensure your safety, exercise caution while driving, and avoid alcohol consumption, as it can worsen the condition. There's no need to panic, as this side effect typically subsides as your body adjusts to the medication over time. However, if the dizziness persists, consult your doctor for personalised guidance and management.
Mild side effects are common and often temporary when taking Verapamil. However, in rare cases, they may become severe due to many factors, depending on individuality. Be alert for symptoms like swelling, breathing difficulties, slow heartbeat, fainting, blurred vision, rash, nausea, or extreme tiredness. If you experience any of these side effects, consult your doctor promptly for proper guidance and management.
Verapamil is not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions. These include severe heart failure, specific heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation, very rapid heartbeats, low blood pressure, cardiogenic shock, sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker, and second or third-degree heart block without a pacemaker. Additionally, those allergic to Verapamil composition should not take this medication. Consult your doctor to determine whether Verapamil is safe based on your unique health situation and goal.
The symptoms of overdosing Verapamil may include dizziness, blurred vision, slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, seizures, confusion, difficulty breathing, or swallowing. Take caution while taking the dose to avoid negative symptoms. If any of these symptoms worsen, please contact your doctor immediately.
The most common side effects of the Verapamil are nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and low blood pressure. These side effects are usually mild and temporary and resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any side effects persist or worsen, it's essential to consult your doctor for proper guidance and care.
It's important to consult your doctor before taking Verapamil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Verapamil can cross the placenta and be found in small amounts in breast milk, which can have effects on infants. It's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. Please consult your doctor for proper guidance and care.
Follow a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, limit salt intake, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, quit smoking, stay hydrated, and regularly monitor blood pressure.
Before taking Verapamil, it's crucial to consult your doctor and inform them about any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, and current medications, vitamins, or supplements. This includes heart, liver, and kidney problems, as well as pregnancy or breastfeeding plans. Also, avoid consuming grapefruit or juice and alcohol, as they may interact with Verapamil. Be aware of potential side effects such as dizziness, slow heartbeat, constipation, nausea, headache, or tiredness, and promptly report any severe or persistent symptoms to your doctor. These precautions will ensure safe usage and minimise potential risks associated with Verapamil.
