GENERIC NAME: VERAPAMIL - ORAL (ver-APP-uh-mill)

BRAND NAME(S): Calan, Isoptin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By blocking calcium, verapamil relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heartbeats. Verapamil is used to treat chest pain (angina), high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible problems related to use of short-acting calcium channel blockers.

HOW TO USE: This medication should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. This medication must be taken as directed to prevent chest pain. It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's permission. Chest pain can occur if the medication is stopped too fast. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience weakness, fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps, headache, flushing or constipation. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if they become bothersome. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet, irregular heartbeat, fever, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Calcium Channel Blockers - Establishes the medication Calcium Channel Blockers, which are drugs used for treating high blood pressure, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation. Source:MedicineNet High Blood Pressure - High Blood Pressure: Medical information about hypertension, its treatment, therapies and prevention Source:MedicineNet Angina - Learn about the causes and symptoms of angina like pressure, heaviness, tightening, squeezing, and aching across the chest. There are two types of angina, stable (the most common) and unstable. Source:MedicineNet Read 38 more verapamil related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection