Covera-HS

Covera-HS is a prescription medication that is used to lower high blood pressure and relieve chest pain by causing the blood vessels to relax. The medication comes in the form of a tablet and is typically taken once a day at bedtime. Covera-HS tablets are specially designed to slowly release the medication over time, with a peak effect in the early morning hours when blood pressure is naturally higher. Possible side effects of Covera-HS include nausea, headaches, and constipation.

What Is Covera-HS?

Covera-HS^® (verapamil hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat various conditions of the heart and blood vessels. Covera-HS tablets are specially designed to slowly release the medication over time, with a peak effect in the early morning hours when blood pressure is naturally higher.

Who Makes Covera-HS?

Covera-HS is made by Pfizer, Inc.

What Is Covera-HS Used For?

Covera-HS has been licensed to treat the following conditions:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Chest pain (angina).

(Click Verapamil Uses for more information on what Covera-HS is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

How Does Covera-HS Work?

Covera-HS is part of a class of drugs called

calcium channel blockers. Covera-HS helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.

There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Covera-HS is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate. Because of this, Covera-HS is useful for treating certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Covera-HS tablets are designed to slowly release the medication four to five hours after the medication is taken. Because Covera-HS is taken at bedtime, the effects of Covera-HS peak in the early morning hours, when blood pressure naturally rises.

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