Verapamil
Description
Verapamil is a medication prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort), and irregular heartbeats. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing down heart activity, which reduces blood pressure and improves blood circulation throughout the body.
Verapamil may cause some side effects like heartburn, constipation, dizziness and headache. Consult your doctor if these side effects become severe or persist for a long time.
Verapamil is available in tablet and injection forms, and the dose and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor. It is recommended to take Verapamil at a fixed time every day to avoid missing a dose. Even if your blood pressure seems to be under control, do not discontinue the use of this medication without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation may lead to side effects or a sudden increase in blood pressure.
Verapamil can interact with other medications and medical conditions, so it is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems. Pregnant and nursing women should not take Verapamil unless prescribed by a doctor."
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Verapamil
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of legs
- Chills or cold sweats
- Redness of face, neck, arms and chest
- Constipation
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea
Uses of Verapamil
What is it prescribed for?
- Hypertension
- Arrythmia
- Angina pectoris
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Verapamil can be observed within one to two hours after an oral dose and within three to five minutes after an intravenous (into the veins) dose.
- Duration of effectThe effect of Verapamil lasts for an average duration of 10 to 20 minutes after an intravenous dose and six to eight hours after an oral dose.
- Safe with alcohol?Avoid consumption of alcohol during treatment with Verapamil. This medicine may increase the blood levels and side effects of alcohol such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, and nausea.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported for Verapamil.
- Usage in pregnancy?Avoid taking Verapamil during pregnancy as it may affect your developing foetus. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?It is not known whether Verapamil passes into the breastmilk. This medicine may probably be safe to be used during breastfeeding. However, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid taking Verapamil if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor, if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions such as a skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness or breathing difficulty, etc.
Cardiogenic shock
Cardiogenic shock is a condition in which your heart suddenly stops pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain, kidneys, and other vital organs. Verapamil is not recommended if you have a cardiogenic shock as it may further worsen your condition.
Congestive Heart Failure
Verapamil is not recommended if you have congestive heart failure as it may increase the risk of severe hypotension (low blood pressure) and acute kidney damage.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Avoid taking Verapamil during pregnancy as it may affect your developing foetus. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether Verapamil passes into the breastmilk. This medicine may probably be safe to be used during breastfeeding. However, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
General warnings
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that leads to the weakening of muscles and fatigue (tiredness). Verapamil should be used with caution if you have myasthenia gravis as this medicine can worsen their condition by aggravating their symptoms.
Hypotension
Verapamil is known to decrease blood pressure resulting in hypotension (low blood pressure). Hence frequent monitoring of blood pressure is necessary during the treatment with this medicine.
Kidney disease
Verapamil is excreted via the kidney and may get accumulated in your body if your kidneys are not functioning properly. This can increase the risk of severe side effects. Hence, this medicine should be used with caution if you have severe kidney problems.
Driving and operating machines
Verapamil may cause dizziness or weakness. Hence, it is suggested to avoid performing tasks that require high mental alertness such as driving vehicles or operating machines.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take the dose of Verapamil at a given time, then take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose of Verapamil. An overdose of this medication can cause some serious effects on the heart, blood vessels, and nerve conduction. If you suspect that you might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the emergency department of your local hospital.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Avoid consumption of alcohol during treatment with Verapamil. This medicine may increase the blood levels and side effects of alcohol such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, and nausea.
Interaction with Medicine
Itraconazole
Metformin
Simvastatin
Disease interactions
Liver Disease
Take Verapamil with caution if you have liver problems. Verapamil is absorbed in your liver. Having liver problems may increase the accumulation of this medicine in your body which may damage your liver further.
Food interactions
Grapefruit juice increases the absorption of Verapamil. This may lead to an increase in the side effects that you may experience. Hence avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take Verapamil as instructed by your doctor. Do not consume larger amounts than prescribed. Inform your doctor if you have any heart and liver conditions before taking this medicine. Keep taking the medicine regularly even if your condition improves.
Do not self-medicate or stop the medication without your doctor's advice.
Injectable forms: Verapamil will be given intravenously (into the vein) in the hospital setting by your doctor. Hence do not self-administer. Inform your doctor if you notice any undesirable effects.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Verapamil works by blocking the entry of calcium into the muscles. This results in relaxation of the muscles and a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Calcium channel blocking agents
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 November 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Verapamil: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 16 November 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - VERAPAMIL HYDROCHLORIDE injection. [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 November 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 9 Mar 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.