Verapamil

U.S. Brand Names

Calan®; Calan® SR; Covera-HS®; Isoptin® SR; Verelan®; Verelan® PM

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Verap®; Apo-Verap® SR; Calan®; Chronovera®; Covera-HS®; Covera®; Dom-Verapamil SR; Gen-Verapamil; Gen-Verapamil SR; Isoptin® SR; Med-Verapamil; Novo-Veramil SR; Nu-Verap; PHL-Verapamil; PMS-Verapamil SR; Riva-Verapamil SR; Verapamil Hydrochloride Injection, USP; Verelan SRC

Mexican Brand Names

Cronovera; Dilacoran

Pharmacologic Category

Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class IV; Calcium Channel Blocker

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to verapamil or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Low blood pressure, Lown-Ganoang-Levine syndrome, severely weakened heart, slow heartbeat without a working pacemaker, or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent migraine headaches.

• This medicine is used to treat chest pain or pressure.

• This medicine is used to treat a fast heartbeat.

• This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.

How does it work?

• Verapamil relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

How is it best taken?

• Take liquid (suspension) or tablets with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Take long-acting products with food.

• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification.

• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.

• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Severe headache.

• Severe constipation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion after 2 months.

• Protect suspension from light.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 16:16:54.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:13:33.0

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