Verapamil Extended-Release – Oral, Calan SR, Isoptin SR
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and may also lower heart rate.OTHER This section contains additional uses for this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Only use this drug for a condition that has been prescribed by your healthcare professional.This drug may also be used to treat other heart diseases and prevent chest pain (angina).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication orally with food, usually once daily in the morning or every 12 hours, as directed by your doctor.Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets as it may release all of the drug at once and increase the risk of side effects. Only split the tablets if they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time(s) each day.For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take a week to get the full benefit of this drug. Continue taking this medication even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor, as your condition may worsen. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, slow heartbeat, constipation, nausea, headache, and tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Most people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, unexplained/sudden weight gain, severe dizziness, fainting, very slow heartbeat.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking verapamil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to any other medications. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have certain types of heart rhythm problems. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure, certain muscle/nerve disorders.This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially constipation, or swelling ankles/feet.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with dofetilide.Other medications can affect the removal of verapamil from your body, which may affect how this product works. Verapamil can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work.Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or heart rate. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.
QUESTION
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better.Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.Have your blood pressure and pulse checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to check your own blood pressure and pulse at home.There are different brands and types of this medication available. Do not change brands or types without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
