Verapamil (By Mouth)

Verapamil (ver-AP-a-mil)

Treats high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias). This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Covera-HS, Verelan PM, Calan SR, Verelan, Calan, Isoptin SR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to verapamil or to similar medicines (such as Adalat®, Cardizem®, Lotrel®, Plendil®, Procardia®), or if you have certain heart problems. Talk with your doctor about what these heart problems are.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Swallow tablets or capsules whole. Do not chew, break, crush or open them.
• If you are taking the Verelan® extended-release capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other medicines that can interact with verapamil. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using. This includes over-the-counter medicines that can increase your blood pressure (such as diet pills, cold and allergy medicines, or asthma medicines).
• Do not drink alcohol or use aspirin while you are using this medicine.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or myasthenia gravis.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain
• Fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Skin rash
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Runny or stuffy nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.