What is Verapamil for:

It is used to treat high blood pressure. It is used to treat chest pain or pressure. It is used to treat a fast heartbeat. It is used to stop migraine headaches.

How does Verapamil work:

Verapamil calms blood vessels.

How should Verapamil be used:

Take Verapamil exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. - Verapamil must be taken regularly for it to work well. Continue taking Verapamil even when you feel better. Do not stop taking Verapamil unless instructed by your doctor. - Take Verapamil with food to minimise any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day. - If you have been given the sustained-release caplet (usually labelled as SR), swallow it whole. Do not chew or crush it. With the SR type of Verapamil, you may see a small tablet-shaped casing in your stool. This is normal; do not be alarmed. This casing is just an empty shell; the medicine inside it has already been absorbed by your body.

Common side effects of Verapamil :

Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. - Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative. Headache. Gum changes.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking Verapamil :

Alert your doctor if you have kidney, liver or any kind of heart disease. Alert your doctor if you have ever had a stroke or if you have any blood circulation problems.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Trouble breathing. Very bad headache. Very hard stool (constipation). Very bad mouth irritation. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Verapamil with other medicines:

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice.

How do I store Verapamil :

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Anti-Anginal Drugs, Calcium Antagonists