VERAPAMIL-ORAL (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart problems (e.g., heart rhythm disturbances, heart failure), liver or kidney disease, very low blood pressure, muscular dystrophy, brain tumors (cancer). Before heart surgery, tell your doctor you use this medicine. Verapamil prolongs and intensifies the effects of alcohol in your system. Avoid (or very carefully limit) alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and a decision should be made whether to stop the drug or avoid breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: beta-blockers, intravenous (IV) calcium, cimetidine, cyclosporine, digoxin. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor for side effects. Do not share this medication with others.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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