IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
(ver-APP-uh-mill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Covera-HS
USES: This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By blocking calcium, verapamil relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heart rates. Verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina).
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for irregular heartbeats.
HOW TO USE: This drug is taken once daily at bedtime. Swallow tablet(s) whole. Do not chew, break or crush tablet(s) before swallowing. May be taken with or without food. This medication must be taken as directed to prevent chest pain. It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. It is very important you do not miss any doses. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's permission. Chest pain can occur if the medication is stopped too fast. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. When you sit or lie down for a while and you must get up, get up slowly to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience nausea, blurred vision, weakness, lowered blood pressure, muscle cramps, headache, flushing or constipation. Inform your doctor if these effects persist or worsen. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: breathing difficulties, rash, chest pain, swelling of the hands or feet, irregular heartbeat, fever, malaise, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine. An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies (especially drug allergies), heart problems (e.g., heart rhythm disturbances, heart failure), liver or kidney disease, very low blood pressure, muscular dystrophy, brain tumors (cancer), gastrointestinal problems (e.g., pathologic or iatrogenic narrowing). Before heart surgery, tell your doctor you use this medicine. Limit alcohol intake. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and a decision should be made whether to stop the drug or avoid breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription drugs you take, especially of: beta-blockers, timolol ophthalmic, digoxin, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, intravenous (IV) calcium, quinidine, carbamazepine, rifampin, theophylline, lithium, flecainide, cyclosporine, dantrolene, phenobarbital, non-depolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g., pancuronium, tubocurarine). Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor for side effects. Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: This drug should be taken at bedtime. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Your situation will have to be evaluated. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 68 to 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Developed by First DataBank, Inc., San Bruno, CA
Copyright 2004 by First DataBank, Inc.