Verapamil Hydrochloride Information

VERAPAMIL (ver AP a mil) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used to treat chest pain caused by angina, high blood pressure, and controls heart rate in certain conditions.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -heart or blood vessel disease -heart rhythm disturbances such as sick sinus syndrome, ventricular arrhythmias, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome -liver or kidney disease -low blood pressure -an unusual or allergic reaction to verapamil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following: -cisapride -disopyramide -dofetilide -grapefruit juice -hawthorn -pimozide -red yeast rice This medicine may also interact with the following medications: -barbiturates such as phenobarbital -cimetidine -cyclosporine -lithium -local anesthetics or general anesthetics -medicines for heart rhythm problems like amiodarone, digoxin, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine -medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems -medicines for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin -rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine -theophylline or aminophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -difficulty breathing -dizziness or light headedness -fainting -fast heartbeat, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain -skin rash -slow heartbeat -swelling of the legs or ankles Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -constipation -facial flushing -headache -nausea, vomiting -sexual dysfunction -weakness or tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.