Verapamil

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Verapamil is used in the treatment of hypertension, abnormal heart rhythms,angina and It is also an effective preventive medication for migraine. It belongs to a group of drugs know as calcium channel blockers, and works by interfering with the conduction of signals in the muscles of the heart, and blood vessels. Verapamil does not relieve the pain when an attack is in progress. Its use is to reduce the frequency of the angina attacks while increasing the ability to tolerate physical exertion.

Verapamil can be safely used by asthmatics as unlike some other drugs it does not cause breathing difficulties. It can also be administered by injection or tablets to treat some types of abnormal heart conditions. While this drug may cause constipation it may not in some cases be used to treat people who suffer from heart failure, slow heart beat, and those who suffer from low blood pressure. You should also avoid grapefruit/juice as it may increase blood levels of verapamil.

Quick Guide

• Anti-angina, anti-hypertensive, anti-arrhythmic with overdose danger – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may further reduce blood pressure, causing or maybe other symptoms.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed verapamil suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Constipation.
less Commonly: nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, dizziness, fatigue, ankle oedema (swelling) Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe skin disorder) myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (pain in the joints), paraesthesia (sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of the skin), erythromelalgia (pain, redness, and swelling in various parts of the body).
Rare: gynaecomastia (male breast enlargement) and gingival hyperplasia (enlarged gums) after long-term treatment; after intravenous administration or high doses, hypotension, heart failure, bradycardia (slow heartbeat), heart block, and asystole (heart stops beating).

The side effects listed here are the most common and less common problems reported by patients using Verapamil It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common/less common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist before starting your medication.

Prolonged Use

There would be no special problems expected.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

These activities should be avoided until you are aware of how verapamil will affect you. This medication can cause dizziness. Alcohol should also be avoided as it may help to further lower blood pressure, causing dizziness, and maybe other symptoms.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

If taken during the later stages of pregnancy Verapamil may inhibit labor. The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses would be unlikely to cause any adverse effects. You should discuss both these important issues with your doctor/health care professional.

Verapamil is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the foetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery And Dental Procedure

Verapamil may need to be stopped before any anaesthetics/surgery is undertaken. You should consult with your doctor or dentist.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

There would be no special problems where the over sixties are concerned. However, verapamil would need to be reduced for children, and would only be given on specialist advice.

Overdose

An unintentional extra dose would not give rise to concern. However, a large overdose could cause dizziness. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of verapamil notify your doctor or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you.

Other Medication Reactions

There could be a slight risk of abnormal heart beat, and heart failure, if beta blockers are used when taking verapamil. if you are taking ciclosporin then blood levels may be increased by verapamil and its dose, may need to be reduced. Verapamil may enhance the effects of carbamazepine. If you take digoxin as well as verapamil then the dosage of dioxin, may need to be reduced as verapamil may increase the effects of digoxin. Verapamil may further decrease blood pressure when taken with antihypertensive medication.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. It is possible that the symptoms will recur.

Effect Of Medication

The effects of verapamil can be felt within 1 to 2 hours if you take the tablets. If you take the injection effects will be felt within a few minutes. Effects of this drug can be felt for up to 6 mabye 8 hours. If you are being prescribed over a long period of time then the duration can last up to 12 hours. If you are being prescribed SR-Capsules the duration could be between 12 – 24 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take verapamil if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
• Keep verapamil in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely without endangering our environment.

If verapamil has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.