Special information on Verapamil

Most Important Fact about Verapamil For Verapamil to be effective you should take it regularly if you have high blood pressure. Since blood pressure declines gradually, Verapamil may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of verapamil; and you must continue taking Verapamil even if you are feeling well. Verapamil does not cure high blood pressure; Verapamil merely keeps blood pressure under control.

Do not stop taking Verapamil without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Verapamil, your condition could become worse.

Do not crush, chew, or break extended-release forms of Verapamil (Verapamil SR). Swallow them whole.

Verapamil precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Verapamil should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Verapamil crosses the placental barrier and can be detected in umbilical vein blood at delivery. It is not known whether the use of Verapamil during labor or delivery has immediate or delayed adverse effects on the fetus, or whether Verapamil prolongs the duration of labor or increases the need for forceps delivery or other obstetric intervention.

Verapamil is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from Verapamil, nursing should be discontinued while Verapamil is administered.

Special Warnings About Verapamil:

Verapamil can reduce or eliminate angina pain caused by exertion or exercise. Be sure to discuss with your doctor how much exertion is safe for you. Verapamil may cause your blood pressure to become too low. If you experience dizziness or light-headedness, notify your doctor. Congestive heart failure and fluid in the lungs have occurred in people taking Verapamil together with other heart drugs known as beta blockers.

Make sure your doctor is aware of all medications you are taking. If you have a narrowing in your stomach or intestines, be sure your doctor was aware of it when the Verapamil was prescribed. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Verapamil.

Why Verapamil should not be prescribed?
If you are allergic to Verapamil or any other similar drug do not take the medication.

If you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease, muscular dystrophy, or gastrointestinal obstruction (strictures) then do not take Verapamil.