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verapamil extended-release - oral, Calan SR, Isoptin SR

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GENERIC NAME: VERAPAMIL EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL (ver-AP-a-mil)

BRAND NAME(S): Calan SR, Isoptin SR

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

USES: Verapamil is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Verapamil is called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. It may also lower the heart rate.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to treat other heart diseases (such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, fast/irregular heartbeats) and to prevent migraines and chest pain (angina).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food, usually once daily in the morning or every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor.Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not break the tablets unless they have a score line. You may split scored tablets if your doctor instructs you to do so. However, swallow the whole or half tablet without crushing or chewing.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take a week before you get the full benefit of this drug. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your routine blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, slow heartbeat, constipation, nausea, headache, and tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, unexplained/sudden weight gain, severe dizziness, fainting, very slow heartbeat.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.