Description
Verapamil is a calcium ion influx inhibitor (slow-channel blocker or calcium ion antagonist), used:
- For the management of mild/moderate hypertension and renal hypertension, used alone or along with other antihypertensive therapy.
- For the management and prophylaxis of angina pectoris (including variant angina).
- For the treatment and prophylaxis of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and the reduction of the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation/flutter. Verapamil should not be used for atrial fibrillation/flutter in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
Dosage and Side Effects
The recommended dosage of Verapamil is taken exactly as prescribed, 3 to 4 times a day, with or without food. The verapamil 80 mg tablets are scored and can be splitted or divided into halves at time of use to obtain a 40 mg dose. Once divided, both halves of the tablet should be used within a period of 24 hours or discarded.
Angina: As per findings the usual verapamil dose is 80 to 120 mg three times daily. However, 40 mg three times daily may be warranted in patients who may have an increased response to verapamil (eg, decreased hepatic function, elderly, etc). Upward titration should be based on therapeutic efficacy and safety evaluated around eight hours after dosing. Dosage can be increased at daily (eg, patients with unstable angina) or weekly intervals until optimum clinical response is obtained.
Arrhythmias: The verapamil tablets dosage in digitalized patients with chronic atrial fibrillation ranges from 240 to 320 mg daily in divided (t.i.d. or q.i.d.) doses. The dosage of verapamil for prophylaxis of PSVT (non-digitalized patients) ranges from 240-480 mg daily in divided (t.i.d. or q.i.d.) doses. In general, maximum effects for any given dosage will be apparent during the initial 48 hours of therapy.
Essential hypertension: Dose should be individualized by titration. The usual initial monotherapy dose in clinical trials was 80 mg three times a day (240 mg daily). Daily dosages of 360 & 480 mg have been used but there is no evidence that dosages beyond 360 mg provided added effect. Consideration should be given to beginning titration at verapamil 40mg tablets three times daily in patients who might respond to lower doses, such as the elderly or individuals of small stature. The antihypertensive effects of Verapamil are evident within the first week of therapy. Upward titration should be based on therapeutic efficacy, assessed at the end of the dosing interval.
The most commonly reported Verapamil side effects include: constipation, nausea, low blood pressure, dizziness and headache.
FAQ's
What is Verapamil HCL?
The verapamil hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker, known to work by relaxing the muscles of heart and blood vessels. It is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders.
What kind of drug is Verapamil HCL?
Verapamil HCL specifically is a calcium channel blocker.
How is Verapamil administered?
Verapamil comes as tablets for oral administration.
What dosage strengths Verapamil Tablet is available?
Verapamil Tablet is available in three dosage strengths, which are as follows:
- verapamil 40 mg
- verapamil 80 mg
- verapamil 120 mg
Is Verapamil generic brand available in India?
Yes
