Verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart beat and to prevent chest pain (angina). Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Verapamil is also called Isoptin.
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What is verapamil?
Verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease how often you get chest pain. Verapamil may also be used to control your heart rate if you have a fast or irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation). It works by relaxing blood vessels which helps to lower blood pressure. Verapamil belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers. In New Zealand, verapamil is available as immediate-release tablets and slow release tablets.
Dose
- The dose of verapamil will be different for different people. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you.
- Verapamil is available in 2 forms – as immediate release tablets and slow release tablets. Check with your pharmacist which form you are taking.
- Always take your verapamil exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much verapamil to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
How to take verapamil
Verapamil immediate release and slow release tablets are available in different strengths. If your tablets look different to your last supply speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Formulation | How to take it |
Immediate release tablets (40 mg and 80 mg) |
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Slow release tablets (120 mg and 240 mg) |
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Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking verapamil. Alcohol may increase your chance of side-effects, such as feeling dizzy or light-headed.
Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
Keep taking verapamil regularly. Do not stop taking verapamil suddenly; speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.
Precautions before taking verapamil
- Do you have problems with your liver?
- Do you have heart problems such as heart failure, a slow heart rate, low blood pressure or have you had a heart attack recently?
- Are you pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding?
- Are you taking any other medicines? This includes any medicines you buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start verapamil. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.
What are the side effects of verapamil?
Like all medicines, verapamil can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product |
Interactions
Verapamil may interact with a few medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting verapamil or before starting any new medicines, including those you may buy over the counter.
Learn more
The following links have more information on verapamil.
Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet:
Isoptin
Isoptin SR
Verpamil SR
New Zealand Formulary Patient Information: verapamil
References
- Verapamil hydrochloride New Zealand Formulary
- Medical management of stable angina pectoris BPAC, 2011
Additional resources for healthcare professionals
Isoptin Medsafe, NZ
Isoptin SR Medsafe, NZ
Verpamil SR Medsafe, NZ
Hypertension in adults – the silent killer BPAC, NZ, 2013
An update on managing patients with atrial fibrillation BPAC, 2017