VERAPAMIL EXTENDED-RELEASE
In this session we will be discussing the consumer medication information for verapamil extended-release, trade name Calan SRTM, Verelan PMTM, Isoptin SRTM, Covera HSTM.
What it’s for & How to take
Verapamil extended-release relaxes the blood vessels in your heart as well as the rest of your body. Your heart rate may be decreased, and your heart will not need to work as hard to pump blood.
This medication is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure.
Verapamil extended-release is in a category of medications called calcium channel blockers.
If high blood pressure is not treated, your blood vessels will harden, and this will eventually lead to a heart attack or a stroke. High blood pressure may also cause vision problems, kidney failure and eventually heart failure.
Verapamil extended-release is available in many different forms. Depending on which one your doctor has ordered for you, it will be taken either once or twice daily. Your dose may be slowly increased over a couple of months. Take verapamil extended-release at the same time each day with food and a full glass of water.
Swallow the tablet whole, do not crush or chew verapamil extended-release. Doing so may increase the risk of serious side effects.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip it and continue with your normal dose time. Do not take a double dose to make up the missed dose.
Keep using this medication, even if you don’t feel sick. You may need to treat your high blood pressure for many years.
Your blood pressure should be checked often to make sure the medication is working correctly.
Warnings & Cautions
- Verapamil extended-release is not to be used in patients who have a history of a certain type of abnormal heart beat. If you have ever been told you have an abnormal heartbeat, tell your doctor before you start this medication.
- Blood pressure medication may make you feel light-headed, dizzy, drowsy or blur your vision. Take it slow when you go from a sitting to standing position. Balance yourself to make sure you are stable before taking a step.
- Do not drive or do any activity that requires focus and attention until you are sure you can do them safely. Limit alcoholic beverages while taking verapamil extended-release.
- The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially the drowsiness and dizziness.
- Let your pharmacist or doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking verapamil extended-release.
Interactions & Side Effects
- Tell your pharmacist or doctor all your medication allergies so they may determine if verapamil extended-release is safe for you to take.
- Avoid dangerous drug interactions. Tell your pharmacist or doctor all the other medication you are taking, including over the counter supplements, even if you don’t take them very often.
- Ask your doctor if this medication is safe to take with your current health conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any abnormal heart beats, liver or kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, or a history of low blood pressure.
- While taking this medication, you may feel light-headed, dizzy, nauseous, flushing and possibly a headache. If these or any other unwanted side effects persist, contact your doctor or pharmacist to talk about it with them.
- Call your doctor right away if you feel any severe dizziness or fainting, very slow heartbeat, swelling in your feet or ankles, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain.
- Call emergency 911 if you have any symptoms of a heart attack such as chest and left arm pain, shortness of breath and sweating or if you have symptoms of a stroke such as weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, and confusion.
If you have any questions about what you have heard, contact your pharmacist or doctor. This session does not include all the potential interactions or side effects that this medication may cause. Ask your pharmacist how your medication should be stored and how you should dispose of it when you are done taking it. Do not share your medication with anyone, ever. Remember, this is not meant to replace your counseling session with your pharmacist. In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Updated 7/20