Verapamil

Question 1

Drug Class

Answer 1

Calcium channel blockers (CCB)

Question 2

Active

Answer 2

Verapamil

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

HT

Angina

Tachyarrhthmias

AF or atrial flutter

Prophylaxis of cluster headache

Question 4

Dose Range

Answer 4

40 – 160 mg 2-3 times daily.

CR, 120 – 240 mg daily

Question 5

SE’s

Answer 5

• peripheral oedema (ankle swelling)
• dizziness
• headache
• flushing
• hypotension
• tachycardia (especially with dihydropyridines) as vasodilation increase sympathetic tone
• bradycardia
• constipation
• increase LFT

Question 6

Counselling

Answer 6

Labels: 9, 12+, 18

• Controlled release capsules: swallow whole (do not crush or chew), or you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents in soft food; take immediately without chewing, followed by a glass of water.
• Verapamil may increase the effects of alcohol so that you are more easily affected and the effects last longer. Limit your alcohol intake until you know whether you are affected like this.
• Avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase the risk of side effects with verapamil.
• Verapamil commonly causes constipation – increase fibre in diet etc

Question 7

Monitoring

Answer 7

• SE’s - peripheral oedema