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Verapamil

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Verapamil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain).
Do not stop taking verapamil, without speaking to your doctor first.
The most common side effects are flushing (redness of the face), headache and dizziness, but these usually improve after a few days.

About verapamil

Type of medicine	Calcium channel blockers
Used for	Hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain)
Also called	Cordilox; Half Securon SR; Securon SR; Univer; Verapress MR; Vertab SR
Available as	Tablets, capsules and oral liquid

Verapamil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Angina occurs when the heart muscles do not receive enough oxygen. Verapamil works by relaxing and opening up the blood vessels. It can also be used to treat arrhythmias, which is when there is an irregularity in the heartbeat. This allows blood to circulate more freely around the body, lowering blood pressure and increasing the flow of blood to the heart.

Before 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

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
1509

DocRef:
dils2735

Last Updated:
10 Jan 2007

Date of Next Review:
9 Jan 2009

Version:
24

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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