Drug
Verapamil
Pronounced
"ver-APP-uh-mill"
Uses
Verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Verapamil belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Verapamil may also lower your heart rate.
Other Uses
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 for other heart diseases (such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, fast/irregular heartbeats). It may also be used to reduce the risk of chest pain (angina).
How to Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning or every 12 hours.
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Ask your pharmacist if the tablets may be split in half, because the directions depend on the product you take. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take a week before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).