About verapamil hcl
Calcium channel blocker; antiarrhythmic
Used for
- Treats certain fast heart rhythms, including supraventricular tachycardia.
- May control rapid heart rate in atrial fibrillation or flutter.
Usual adult dose
Given intravenously by a clinician, commonly 5–10 mg slowly; a further dose may be given if needed.
Usual dose in children
For selected heart rhythms, 0.1–0.3 mg/kg intravenously (maximum 5 mg), under specialist monitoring.
Common side effects
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heart rate or heart block
- Dizziness or flushing
- Nausea
Important warnings
- Requires continuous heart-rhythm and blood-pressure monitoring during intravenous use.
- Can cause severe low blood pressure, very slow heartbeat, or cardiac arrest.
- Generally avoided with severe heart failure, low blood pressure, or certain heart blocks.
- Avoid intravenous use with intravenous beta blockers or suspected wide-complex ventricular tachycardia.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; pregnancy-specific risks and benefits require clinical assessment.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter breast milk; use is generally considered compatible with monitoring for infant effects.
Interactions
- Beta blockers can increase risk of dangerously slow heartbeat or heart failure.
- Digoxin levels may rise, increasing toxicity risk.
- Other blood-pressure-lowering medicines may cause excessive blood-pressure reduction.
- Some medicines alter verapamil levels, including macrolide antibiotics and certain antifungals.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.