Introduction

Verapamil (ver-AP-a-mil)

Treats certain types of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias). This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to verapamil. You should not receive this medicine if you have severe low blood pressure, heart disease such as congestive heart failure, shock, or certain heart problems. You should not receive this medicine if you are receiving beta blockers given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using digitalis (Lanoxin®, Digitek®), disopyramide (Norpace®), flecainide (Tambocor®), or quinidine (Quinidex®). Tell your doctor if you are also using a beta blocker such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, or Toprol® by mouth.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using seizure medicine such as carbamazepine (Tegretol®). Tell your doctor if you are also using dantrolene (Dantrium®), lithium, rifampin (Rifadin®), phenobarbital, or cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor may have you stop breastfeeding your baby while you are receiving this medicine. Talk to your doctor about the length of time you need to formula feed your baby.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have low blood pressure, brain tumor, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Slow or fast heartbeat.
• Seizure.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness or drowsiness.
• Headache or depression.
• Increased sweating.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Muscle weakness.
• Nausea or stomach upset.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088