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What is Verapamil Hydrochloride
VerapamilThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryVerapamil is a medication used to lower high blood pressure, treat heart rhythm problems, and relieve chest pain. It was first used in the 1960s and is part of a class of drugs called non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. The drug is composed of two parts, the S-enantiomer and R-enantiomer, each of which has different levels of potency and is processed at different rates.
Calanis the brand name
Verapamil Hydrochloride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Calan
Verapamil
1984
357
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Verapamil, also called Calan, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses which include Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter and Hypertensive disease .Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter
Used to treat Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter in combination with Digitoxin
Hypertensive disease
Used to treat High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) in combination with Trandolapril
Heart Rate
Used to treat Heart Rate in combination with Digitoxin
Effectiveness
How Verapamil Hydrochloride Affects PatientsVerapamil is a type of drug that helps to regulate the heart beat, reduce chest pain, and lower blood pressure. It comes in an immediate-release form that needs to be taken 3 or 4 times a day and an extended-release form that can be taken once daily. However, it does decrease the strength of the heart muscle, so it should not be used by people with weakened heart muscles or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
How Verapamil Hydrochloride works in the bodyVerapamil works by blocking calcium channels in the heart, blood vessels, and other cells. This blocks the influx of calcium, causing the blood vessels to relax, reducing blood pressure and the load on the heart. It also slows the electrical activity of the heart, helping to stabilize a racing heart. It's possible that verapamil also works on other types of calcium channels, potassium channels, and adrenergic receptors, but this isn't clear.
When to interrupt dosage
The advised dose of Verapamil Hydrochloride is based upon the diagnosed condition, including Tachycardia, Ventricular, Unstable Angina Pectoris and Vasospastic Angina. The portion of dosage depends upon the proposed methodology of delivery, as featured in the table underneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Tachycardia, Ventricular
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Heart Rate
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Cluster Headache
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
prophylaxis of Cluster headaches
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Unstable Angina Pectoris
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Vasospastic Angina
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Hypertensive disease
180.0 mg, 240.0 mg, , 120.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Warnings
Verapamil Hydrochloride ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
third degree AV block
Do Not Combine
Ventricular Tachycardia
Do Not Combine
Atrial Fibrillation
Do Not Combine
Shock, Cardiogenic
Do Not Combine
accessory bypass tract
Do Not Combine
severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Do Not Combine
absence of a functioning ventricular pacemaker
Do Not Combine
Hypotension
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Verapamil may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Verapamil Hydrochloride Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The serum concentration of Abemaciclib can be increased when it is combined with Verapamil.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Verapamil.
Acepromazine
Major
Verapamil may increase the orthostatic hypotensive, hypotensive, and antihypertensive activities of Acepromazine.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Verapamil.
Alfuzosin
Major
Verapamil may increase the hypotensive activities of Alfuzosin.
Verapamil Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of verapamil in women is 14.4mg/kg and 3.429mg/kg in men. The lethal dose in rats is 150mg/kg and 163mg/kg in mice. There is no antidote for an overdose of verapamil, so treatment focuses on providing supportive care. Symptoms of an overdose may include low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and irregular heartbeat. Patients who have taken a large overdose (up to 9 grams) may experience non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. To treat an overdose, doctors may recommend gastrointestinal decontamination, cathartics, or bowel irrigation
Verapamil Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Verapamil Hydrochloride?
34 active clinical trials are currently being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Verapamil Hydrochloride in alleviating Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris, Tachycardia, Ventricular and Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT).Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
prophylaxis of Cluster headaches
0 Actively Recruiting
Tachycardia, Ventricular
0 Actively Recruiting
Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Unstable Angina Pectoris
0 Actively Recruiting
Vasospastic Angina
0 Actively Recruiting
Cluster Headache
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2
Hypertensive disease
19 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Heart Rate
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2
Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Verapamil Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Verapamil Hydrochloride?
5Patient Review
5/13/2022 I've been taking Verapamil Hydrochloride for about 10 years now, and it's been working great. I don't have any noticeable side effects, and if I miss a dose or two I'm likely to trigger an episode of SVT. So far so good, and unless a new treatment is developed, I expect to be on this medication for life.
5Patient Review
5/23/2020 I've been taking Verapamil for over 15 years and it works great for me. I don't have any of the nasty side effects that I experienced with other blood pressure medications.
5Patient Review
1/18/2020 I've been using verapamil for migraines for over 30 years with great results; no headaches in years. It's cheap and effective, and has also helped to keep my blood pressure at normal levels. The only downside is that every insurance company or doctor I see thinks I have a high blood pressure problem because of the medication, so I have to explain why I'm taking it.
5Patient Review
5/14/2019 I've been on verapamil for 16 years and it's great. It's also very affordable, which is awesome. I sometimes take an extra dose when I have atrial fibrillation and it really helps to calm my heart rate down.
5Patient Review
11/13/2021 I've been struggling with heart palpitations for a few years now and have tried a couple different treatments. This one, Verapamil, has really worked well for me. I don't have nearly as many episodes and the side effects are manageable.
4Patient Review
2/20/2016 I was discharged from the hospital after taking 480mg of this medication. However, I began to experience a pounding sensation in my head. I lowered the dosage to 240mg and it worked for a while, but the pounding came back. I then lowered it to 120mg and it worked for a while again, but the pounding came back. In addition, I was also taking 50mg of metoprolol with verapamil. I continued to experience an extreme pulse-like sensation in my head despite all of this. My doctor offered no relief.
4Patient Review
9/9/2016 I'm not sure if this is the cause, but I've been having issues with edema since starting this medication.
3.7Patient Review
12/22/20153.3Patient Review
5/12/2016 After many scans and tests, my new cardiologist prescribed this medication. It worked in the sense that I no longer felt like passing out, but it didn't do much to lower my blood pressure (178/82).
2.7Patient Review
8/16/2017 I'm still taking a low dosage, but what I have experienced so far is that it has alleviated my depression and heart palpitations.
2.3Patient Review
5/17/2018 The side effects of this medication were really awful. I experienced strange noises in my stomach, bowel incontinence, and constipation. It took me about six months to recover from taking this drug, and even then my innards were permanently changed. Now I have to take miralax every day.
2Patient Review
1/12/2017 Verapamil is one of the only medications I can take without having an allergic reaction. It's effective at reducing my heart rate from 35 to 100 bpm.
1.7Patient Review
1/26/2019 This didn't work for me at all.
1.7Patient Review
11/11/2021 I had to use suppositories after this treatment froze my large intestine. It was a very unpleasant experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone.
1Patient Review
1/3/20161Patient Review
10/15/2017 I would not recommend this drug to anyone due to the laundry list of terrible side effects I experienced. They range from constipation and dry eyes/mouth to swelling extremities, weight gain, hair loss, and numbness/tingling in the hands/face/lower body. I was taking it for migraines but ended up with chronic insomnia and then central sleep apnea (of unknown cause). The longer I took the medication, the more problems arose.
Patient Q&A Section about verapamil hydrochloride
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What class of drug is verapamil hydrochloride?
"Verapamil is a type of medication known as a calcium-channel blocker. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which reduces the amount of work the heart has to do."
Answered by AI
How long does verapamil take to work?
"Verapamil reaches peak levels in the bloodstream one to two hours after it is taken orally. Its peak levels may be higher in people with liver disease or who are older."
Answered by AI
What is verapamil hydrochloride used for?
"Verapamil is used to prevent chest pain caused by angina as well as irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It's also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). If you have high blood pressure, taking verapamil will help to prevent future heart disease."
Answered by AI
What is verapamil side effects?
"If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from heart failure: blue lips and fingernails, chest pain, coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum, difficult, fast, noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, shortness of breath."
Answered by AI