$Unique_ID{BRK02179}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{VERAPAMIL}
$Subject{Calan (Searle)
Calan SR (Searle)
Isoptin (Knoll)
Isoptin SR (Knoll)
verapamil (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


VERAPAMIL
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Calan (Searle)
     Calan SR (Searle)
     Isoptin (Knoll)
     Isoptin SR (Knoll)
     verapamil (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antianginal (calcium channel blocker) and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     verapamil
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg)
     Sustained-release tablets (180 mg and 240 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Verapamil is used to treat angina pectoris (chest pain) and high blood
pressure.  It belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.
It is not clearly understood how verapamil works, but it is thought to
increase the blood supply to the heart.  It is also a vasodilator that relaxes
the muscle tissue of the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.

TREATMENT

     Verapamil can be taken either on an empty stomach or with meals, as
directed by your doctor or pharmacist.  The sustained-release tablets should
not be crushed or chewed, but swallowed whole.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, headache, muscle
cramps, nausea, sleeplessness, or sweating.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), and drink more
water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
changes in menstruation, confusion, depression, fainting, fatigue, hair loss,
itching, loss of balance, palpitations, rapid weight gain (three to five
pounds within a week), shortness of breath, swelling of the hands or feet,
tremors, or unusual weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication interacts with a number of other types of medications:
     1. The concurrent use of alcohol, quinidine, or prazosin and verapamil
can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and result in fainting.
     2. Beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol,
labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol)
and digoxin should be used cautiously with verapamil, because side effects to
the heart may be increased.
     3. Disopyramide should not be taken within 48 hours of verapamil; the
combination could lead to heart failure.
     4. Cimetidine can decrease the elimination of verapamil from the body,
which can lead to an increased risk of side effects.
     5. Sulfinpyrazone and rifampin can increase the elimination of verapamil
from the body, which can lead to a decrease in its effectiveness.
     6. Verapamil can cause an increase in the effects of the drug
theophylltine.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to verapamil.
     * Before starting therapy with this medication, be sure that you inform
your doctor if you have ever had any type of heart disease, kidney disease,
liver disease, low blood pressure, or a slowed heartbeat.
     * Your doctor may want you to check your pulse regularly while you are
taking this medication.  If your heart rate drops below 50 beats per minute,
contact your doctor.
     * Verapamil is not effective for an attack of chest pain that has already
started; it is used to prevent attacks.
     * Do not stop taking this drug without first consulting your doctor.
Stopping abruptly may lead to a worsening of your chest pain.  Your doctor
may, therefore, want to reduce your dosage gradually or have you switch to
another medication when verapamil is discontinued.
     * In order to prevent dizziness or fainting while taking this medication,
try not to stand for long periods of time, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages,
and try not to become overheated (avoid exercising strenuously in hot weather,
and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas).
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies in
pregnant women have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of verapamil pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
