Verapamil
Description
Verapamil is a calcium-channel blocker. By relaxing blood vessels, it can improve blood flow to the heart. Verapamil reduces attacks of chest pain (angina); lowers blood pressure (treats hypertension); and controls heart rate in certain conditions. Generic verapamil tablets are available.
Recommendations
Take verapamil tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take with grapefruit juice. If verapamil upsets your stomach, you can take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease; other diseases of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, heart block, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, coronary artery disease, or low blood pressure; or muscular dystrophy.
You may not be able to take verapamil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Verapamil is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether verapamil will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take verapamil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Verapamil passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take verapamil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: verapamil hydrochloride.
