Prescription Drug Index

Verapamil-based medications can be prescribed for several heart and blood pressure problems. The fast-acting brands (Calan and Isoptin) are taken for angina (chest pain due to clogged cardiac arteries) as well as irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. The longer-acting brands (Calan SR Isoptin SR Verelan and Verelan PM) are typically used only for high blood pressure. Covera-HS is prescribed for both high blood pressure and angina.

Verapamil is a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker. It eases the heart’s workload by slowing down the passage of nerve impulses through it and hence the contractions of the heart muscle. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body reduces blood pressure corrects irregular heartbeat and helps prevent angina pain.

Some doctors also prescribe verapamil to prevent migraine headache.

FOR CALAN AND ISOPTIN

Dosages of this medication must be adjusted to meet individual needs. In general dosages of this medication should not exceed 480 milligrams per day. Your doctor will closely monitor your response to this drug usually within 8 hours of the first dose.

Safety and effectiveness of this drug in children have not been established.

Angina

The usual initial dose is 80 to 120 milligrams 3 times a day. Lower doses of 40 milligrams 3 times a day may be used by people who have a stronger response to this medication such as the elderly or those with decreased liver function. The dosage may be increased by your doctor either daily or weekly until the desired response is seen.

Irregular Heartbeat

The usual dose in people who are also on digitalis ranges from 240 to 320 milligrams per day divided into 3 or 4 doses.

In those not on digitalis doses range from a total of 240 to 480 milligrams per day divided into 3 or 4 doses.

Maximum effects of this drug should be seen in the first 48 hours of use.

High Blood Pressure

Effects of this drug on blood pressure should be seen within the first week of use. Any adjustment of this medication to a higher dose will be based on its effectiveness as determined by your doctor.

The usual dose of this drug when used alone for high blood pressure is 80 milligrams 3 times per day. Total daily doses of 360 milligrams and 480 milligrams may be used. Smaller doses of 40 milligrams 3 times per day may be taken by smaller individuals and the elderly.

FOR CALAN SR ISOPTIN SR AND VERELAN

Dosages for high blood pressure should be adjusted to meet each individual’s needs.

Adults

The usual starting dose of Calan SR and Isoptin SR is 180 milligrams taken in the morning. For Verelan it is 240 milligrams. A lower starting dose of 120 milligrams may be taken if the person is smaller. Your doctor will monitor your response to this drug and may adjust it each week. In addition your doctor may increase the dose and add evening doses to the morning dose based on the effectiveness of the drug.

You should see results from the drug within a week.

Children

The safety and effectiveness of this drug in children under age 18 have not been established.

Older Adults

Your doctor may start you at a lower dose of 120 milligrams and then adjust it according to your response.

FOR COVERA-HS AND VERELAN PM

Adults

For use only at bedtime these delayed-action forms of verapamil are timed to deliver their peak benefits in the morning when blood pressure tends to spike. The usual starting dose is 180 milligrams of Covera-HS or 200 milligrams of Verelan PM. Your doctor may raise the dose gradually if you need more.

Children

Safety and effectiveness in children under age 18 have not been established.

Older Adults

If you have poor kidneys the dosage may need to be lowered.

Note:

The content in this section is provided for informational purposes only. This information regarding the following Canadian drugs is not intended to replace or act as a substitute for information or advice provided by your physician. You should always consult a physician before beginning a new medication. Moreover, prescription drugs should only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.

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