What is/are Verapamil Tablets?
VERAPAMIL is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used to treat chest pain caused by angina, high blood pressure, and controls heart rate in certain conditions. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
Sustained-release (SR), extended-release (ER, XR, or XL), time-release or timed-release, controlled-release (CR), or continuous-release (CR or Contin) pills are tablets or capsules formulated to dissolve slowly and release a drug over time. The advantages of sustained-release tablets or capsules are that they can often be taken less frequently than instant-release formulations of the same drug, and that they keep steadier levels of the drug in the bloodstream.
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- heart or blood vessel disease
- heart rhythm disturbances such as sick sinus syndrome, ventricular arrhythmias, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome
- liver or kidney disease
- low blood pressure
- an unusual or allergic reaction to verapamil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
- cisapride
- disopyramide
- dofetilide
- grapefruit juice
- hawthorn
- pimozide
- red yeast rice
This medicine may also interact with the following:
- barbiturates such as phenobarbital
- cimetidine
- cyclosporine
- lithium
- local anesthetics or general anesthetics
- medicines for heart rhythm problems like amiodarone, digoxin, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
- medicines for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin
- rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine
- theophylline or aminophylline
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness or light headedness
- fainting
- fast heartbeat, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
- skin rash
- shortness of breath
- slow heartbeat
- unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- swelling of the legs or ankles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation
- fatigue
- headache
- lightheadedness
- nausea, vomiting
- sexual dysfunction
- weakness or tiredness
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Where should I keep this medicine?
Store between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.
