$Unique_ID{BRK03374} $Pretitle{} $Title{verapamil} $Subject{Calan Searle SR Isoptin Knoll SR Verelan Lederle Antianginal calcium channel blocker antihypertensive verapamil angina pectoris chest pain high blood pressure blood heart vasodilator muscle vessels} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. verapamil ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Calan (Searle) Calan SR (Searle) Isoptin (Knoll) Isoptin SR (Knoll) verapamil (various manufacturers) Verelan (Lederle) TYPE OF DRUG Antianginal (calcium channel blocker) and antihypertensive INGREDIENT verapamil DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg) Sustained-release tablets (180 mg and 240 mg) Sustained-release capsules (120 mg, 180 mg, and 240 mg) STORAGE Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. USES Verapamil is used to treat angina pectoris (chest pain) and high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It is not clearly understood how verapamil works, but it is thought to increase the blood supply to the heart. It is also a vasodilator that relaxes the muscle tissue of the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. TREATMENT Verapamil can be taken either on an empty stomach or with meals, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. The sustained-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed, but swallowed whole. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Abdominal pain, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, sleeplessness, or sweating. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about changes in menstruation, confusion, depression, fainting, fatigue, hair loss, itching, loss of balance, palpitations, rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a week), shortness of breath, swelling of the hands or feet, tremors, or unusual weakness. INTERACTIONS This drug interacts with a number of other types of drugs: 1. The concurrent use of alcohol, quinidine, or prazosin and verapamil can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and result in fainting. 2. Beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, or timolol) and digoxin should be used cautiously with verapamil, because side effects to the heart may be increased. 3. Disopyramide should not be taken within 48 hours of verapamil; the combination of these medications could lead to heart failure. 4. Cimetidine can decrease the elimination of verapamil from the body, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects. 5. Sulfinpyrazone and rifampin can increase the elimination of verapamil from the body, which can lead to a decrease in its effectiveness. 6. Verapamil can cause an increase in the effects of the drug theophylline. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to verapamil. * Before starting therapy with this medication, be sure that you inform your doctor if you have ever had any type of heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, or a slowed heartbeat. * Your doctor may want you to check your pulse while you are taking this drug. If your heart rate drops below 50 beats per minute, contact your doctor. * Verapamil is not effective for an attack of chest pain that has already started; this medication is only effective in preventing attacks from occurring. * It is extremely important that you do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Stopping abruptly may lead to a worsening of your chest pain. Your doctor may, therefore, want to reduce your dosage gradually or have you switch to another similar medication when verapamil is discontinued. * In order to prevent dizziness or fainting while taking this medication, try not to stand for long periods of time, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, and try not to become overheated (avoid exercising strenuously in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas). * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Extensive studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of verapamil pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted side effects in the nursing infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.