Sign inBefore taking verapamil
Before taking verapamil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from any heart problems or have ever had a heart attack
- If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure)
- If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
- If you suffer from liver problems
How to take verapamil
- Try to take verapamil at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you miss a dose of this medicine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not stop taking verapamil, without speaking to your doctor first.
- If you are taking the modified release tablets or capsules, that release the medicine slowly over the day to give a more even effect, do not break, crush or chew them, swallow them whole with a glass of water. Otherwise you could receive too much medicine too quickly.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with verapamil.
- If you drink alcohol, be aware of the effect it has on you. The level of alcohol in your blood may be increased by verapamil.
Can verapamil cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor. |
| Feeling or being sick | Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor. |
| Flushing (redness of the face) | This usually gets better after a few days. It if continues or becomes a problem speak with your doctor. |
| Headache | This usually gets better after a few days. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor. |
| Dizziness and tiredness | Make sure you are not affected before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid getting up quickly from sitting any laying positions. |
| Swollen ankles, skin rashes, muscle or joint pain or pins and needles. | Speak to your doctor if any of these are a problem. |
How to store verapamil
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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