verapamil – oral, Calan, Isoptin
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, improving blood flow. It also prevents chest pain (angina) and controls fast/irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).OTHER This drug may also treat another type of heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 or 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly for maximum benefit. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.For high blood pressure, it may take a week to see full benefits. Continue taking even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.To prevent chest pain, take regularly as prescribed. Do not use for sudden attacks, use other medications for that. Do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor. 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 persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist.To lower risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from sitting or lying position.Remember your doctor has prescribed this medication because benefits outweigh risks. Most people using it do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath, unexplained/sudden weight gain, severe dizziness, fainting, or other serious effects.Tell your doctor immediately if you experience severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, or persistent nausea/vomiting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. 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 have any other allergies. 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 it, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have certain types of heart rhythm problems, certain muscle/nerve disorders, or other conditions that may interact negatively with verapamil.This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure you can do so safely. Limit alcohol consumption. Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.During pregnancy, use this medication only if clearly needed. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. It passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Discuss risks and benefits before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the medications you are currently using before starting verapamil. Some drugs, such as dofetilide, should not be used with it. Verapamil may also affect the removal of other drugs from your body or slow down their removal. Check labels on all your medicines to ensure safe use. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of your medications.
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 making lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better. Regularly check your blood pressure and pulse while taking this medication. Different brands and types of verapamil may have varying effects. 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 for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal methods.
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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
