Verapamil hydrochloride is a prescription medication used to treat various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Side Effects of Verapamil
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with verapamil.
However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Side Effects of Verapamil to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking verapamil if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
There are many different versions of verapamil. Some are equivalent to each other, while others are not. Not all types are approved for the same uses, and the recommended dosages may be different. Different versions of verapamil include:
What Is Verapamil Used For?
Verapamil has been licensed for several uses. These uses include:
- Certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), including:
Not all forms of verapamil are approved for all of these uses.
Verapamil is part of a class of drugs called
calcium channel blockers. It helps to slow down the rate at which
calcium moves into your heart and into the blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, which allows better 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 is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Verapamil is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate. As a result, it is useful for certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
When and How to Take Verapamil
Some general considerations for when and how to take verapamil include the following:
- The medication comes in the form of a tablet and capsule. Verapamil is taken by mouth, usually one to four times a day, depending on the particular product.
- Covera-HS and Verelan PM should be taken once a day at bedtime.
- Verapamil should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Verapamil will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of verapamil your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular type being used
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much verapamil may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Decreased mental function
- Fluid in the lungs.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Verapamil Be Stored?
Verapamil should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Both tablets and capsules should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your verapamil as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Currently, many (but not all) brand-name verapamil products have generic versions available
(see Generic Verapamil for more information).
