What is Verapamil?
Verapamil is an oral medication used to treat adults with hypertension, chest pain, and certain heart rhythm problems.
Verapamil is injected into adults and children with heart rhythm disorders to restore heart rate quickly or temporarily.You may reduce your chances of suffering a cardiac attack by lowering your blood pressure.Verapamil can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Verapamil
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Verapamil may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain with a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Heart problems: swelling, rapid weight gain and shortness of breath.
- If you have liver disease, it can cause fatigue, nausea, dark urine or stools (clay-coloured), itchiness, or jaundice.
- Fluid buildup around or in the lungs: pain when breathing, shortness of breath lying down. Wheezing. Foamy cough. Cold, clammy skin. Anxiety.
Verapamil side effects may include:
- Nausea, constipation;
- Infections, flu symptoms;
- Swelling in the hands or lower legs;
- Headache, dizziness,
- Low blood pressure.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, aspirin, losartan, furosemide, and carvedilol
Warnings
You should not use verapamil if you have a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker) or Wolff-Parkinson-White or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome.
Before you take this drug
Verapamil should be avoided if:
- "sick sinus" syndrome or "AV Block" (unless your pacemaker is on);
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- If your heart is not pumping blood correctly,
Verapamil may not work for you if:
- Severe congestive heart failure;
- Certain heart rhythm disorders (such as 'Afib' or atrial flutter with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome);
- A heart disorder that results in very rapid pulses.
- If you receive an intravenous beta-blocker, such as atenolol or metoprolol,
If you've ever:
- Low blood pressure
- A thickening abnormality of the heart muscles;
- Certain types of brain tumors
- Congestive heart failure;
- A disorder of the nerves and muscles such as myasthenia gravis or muscular dystrophy
- Kidney disease.
It is unknown if verapamil will cause harm to an unborn child. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or plans to get pregnant.Breastfeeding is not recommended.
How to take Verapamil?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Verapamil injectable is administered by the healthcare provider into a vein. Electrocardiograms (also called ekgs) are used to continuously monitor your heart rate. You will be closely monitored for your blood pressure, vital signs, and other factors.
Verapamil is consumed orally. Verapamil can be taken by mouth. Your pharmacist will have more details.If you change the brand, strength, or form of your medicine, then it may affect how much medication you need.
Verapamil, orally absorbed, can come in different forms. Some of them cannot be chewed, and others are opened and mixed with applesauce. You can ask your pharmacist for instructions on how to use this medication.You will have to check your blood pressure, liver functions, and other vital signs often.
Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication if you have high blood pressure. Sometimes high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms.Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Verapamil injectables can be used as needed. It does not come in regular doses. If the medication isn't working, call your doctor.
Verapamil orally should be taken as soon as possible, but you may skip the missed dose if your next dose is approaching. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdoses can lead to death.
The symptoms of an overdose may include: low blood pressure (slow heartbeat), chest pain (shortness of breath), fatigue, elevated blood sugar, or fainting
Avoid this
You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position. Verapamil can affect your driving and other dangerous activities. You may be unable to react.
Verapamil may cause adverse effects if consumed with grapefruit. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.
Interaction with other drug
Avoid taking verapamil within 24 or 48 hours of taking disopyramide.It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. There are drugs that can alter the blood level of another drug you take, increasing side effects and making it less effective.
Verapamil can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking.
