Calan SR, Verelan, Verelan Pm
Verapamil SR, Verapamil CR, Verapamil ER
Verapamil (ver AP a mil) is a generic medication prescribed to treat heart and blood vessel conditions, such as high blood pressure. Verapamil belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers.
Verapamil (ver AP a mil) is a generic medication prescribed to treat heart and blood vessel conditions, such as high blood pressure. Verapamil belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers.
- Brand
- • Tablet Extended-Release
- • 240mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Melanie Sangobowale, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on October 25, 2023
Verapamil (ver AP a mil) is a generic medication prescribed to treat heart and blood vessel conditions, such as high blood pressure. Verapamil belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved verapamil to:
- lower blood pressure
- treat chest pain
- treat certain irregular heart rhythms
- maintain a usual sinus rhythm in certain heart conditions
These approved uses differ based on the form of verapamil your doctor prescribes.
This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of verapamil. To find coupons for verapamil extended-release oral tablet, see this article.
Side effects
Side effects of verapamil
Verapamil may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of verapamil and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about verapamil’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for verapamil listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of verapamil are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of verapamil you’re prescribed.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about verapamil’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for verapamil listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Verapamil extended-release* oral capsule’s mild side effects include:
- headache
- constipation
- flu-like symptoms, such as body aches and fever
- fluid buildup
- dizziness
- mild allergic reaction†
Verapamil oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- constipation
- dizziness
- nausea
- low blood pressure
- mild allergic reaction†
* With extended release, the drug is released slowly in your body over time.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for verapamil” section.
Serious side effect
Serious side effects of verapamil are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of verapamil you’re prescribed.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about verapamil’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for verapamil listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, verapamil’s serious side effects include:
- headache
- constipation
- very slow heart rate, which may lead to heart block
- heart failure
- high levels of liver enzymes, which may be a sign of liver damage
- severe allergic reaction*
FAQ
Common questions about verapamil
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about verapamil.
What brand names are available for verapamil?
Brand names of verapamil include Verelan and Verelan PM, which come as extended-release (ER)* oral capsules.
Verapamil oral tablet, ER oral tablet, and injection† are only available in generic versions. They do not have brand-name versions.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the brand-name versions of verapamil.
* With extended release, the drug is released slowly in your body over time.
† Verapamil injection is given into your vein or as an intravenous (IV) infusion. An IV infusion is an injection given into your vein over time.
Is it safe to eat bananas while taking verapamil?
Yes, it’s safe to eat bananas during verapamil treatment. Bananas contain a high level of potassium. Potassium helps maintain your heart rhythm and other functions, such as muscle contractions and blood pressure. The potassium level in bananas is unlikely to interact with verapamil.
However, if the potassium level in your body gets too high, you can experience an irregular heart rhythm and even cardiac arrest (stopping of your heartbeat). Your doctor will likely monitor your potassium level with blood tests during verapamil treatment.
If you have questions about bananas and verapamil, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does verapamil work? And how long does it take to start working?
Verapamil belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by blocking calcium from entering your heart and arteries. This helps lower blood pressure, open narrowed arteries, and lower heart rate. This is called its mechanism of action or how the drug works in the body.
It usually takes about 1 week for oral forms of verapamil to start working. Your doctor may adjust your dose if your blood pressure doesn’t decrease or if other symptoms don’t ease. They’ll monitor your blood pressure every week after starting oral verapamil treatment. This is to make sure your blood pressure is not too high or too low.
It usually takes the verapamil injection up to 5 minutes to start working. (Verapamil injection is given into your vein or as an intravenous (IV) infusion. An IV infusion is an injection given into your vein over time.) This form is used to treat certain irregular heart rhythms in a hospital setting. Your doctor will check your heart rhythm after giving a verapamil injection.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of verapamil
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as verapamil for certain conditions. Approved uses for verapamil are described below. These uses differ based on the form of verapamil prescribed.
Use for lowering blood pressure
Doctors may prescribe verapamil extended-release (ER)* oral capsule, ER oral tablet, and oral tablet for treating high blood pressure. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With high blood pressure, blood moves through your arteries with a high amount of force. High blood pressure doesn’t usually cause any signs or symptoms. So you may not be aware that you have high blood pressure. But if it’s not managed, it can cause damage to your brain, heart, and kidneys.
Your race and other health conditions you have may affect how your body responds to verapamil. For more information, talk with your doctor.
* With extended release, the drug is released slowly in your body over time.
Use for chest pain
Doctors may prescribe verapamil oral tablet for treating angina (chest pain). It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With angina, you may experience chest pain or tightness. This is because your heart is receiving less oxygen. This can happen in people with coronary artery disease (CAD). With CAD, you have a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. This can raise your risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Your race and other health conditions you have may affect how your body responds to verapamil. For more information, talk with your doctor.
Use for certain heart rhythms
Doctors may prescribe verapamil injection* for treating certain irregular heart rhythms. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children of any age. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment in a hospital setting.
With certain heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, your heart rate or rhythm can be irregular. These conditions can be life threatening. Symptoms may include fast pulse, chest pain, shortness of breath, and weakness or fatigue (low energy). Note: If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get medical attention right away. Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Doctors may not prescribe verapamil injection in certain situations. This includes when emergency and heart monitoring equipment is not available for use while a person is given verapamil. In these cases, your doctor needs to be able to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure and respond quickly if you experience a side effect.
* Verapamil injection is given into your vein or as an intravenous (IV) infusion. An IV infusion is an injection given into your vein over time.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for verapamil
Below, you’ll find information about verapamil’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of verapamil
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take verapamil, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for verapamil” section below.
Warnings for verapamil
Some people should not take verapamil, and others should take it cautiously.
Verapamil could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether verapamil is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of verapamil you’re prescribed.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for verapamil, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Verapamil can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to verapamil or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe verapamil. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to verapamil, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of verapamil
If you take verapamil by mouth, you should not take more verapamil than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much verapamil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and verapamil
Information about verapamil and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Verapamil and pregnancy
There are risks to taking verapamil during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having untreated high blood pressure and other heart and blood vessel conditions while pregnant. (Keep in mind that verapamil is used for treating these conditions.)
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take verapamil during pregnancy.
Verapamil and breastfeeding
Verapamil should not be taken while breastfeeding. It can pass into breast milk and cause harmful side effects in a child who is breastfed. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend stopping this medication before breastfeeding. They can help find other ways to feed your child during treatment with verapamil.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about verapamil or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Can I take verapamil with other blood pressure medications to lower my blood pressure?
- If I have difficulty swallowing capsules, is there another way I can take this form of medication?
- Do I have to check my blood pressure every day during verapamil treatment?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Verapamil hydrochloride capsule, extended release. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/18f6d349-8c5c-4443-ac65-16bf6619ecdc/spl-doc
- Verapamil hydrochloride tablet, film coated, extended release. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/346e7bfe-ae8a-4128-a127-6fb5123bb6b9/spl-doc
- Verapamil hydrochloride injection, solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9055ed6b-f466-4f38-a9d9-f22e9ac97ad4/spl-doc
- Verapamil hydrochloride tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/ebc9a09a-7b5f-4df6-ace7-31185d469b28/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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