Verelan PM Side Effects

Generic name: verapamil

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 25, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about verapamil. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Verelan PM.

Applies to verapamil: intravenous solution. Other dosage forms:

• oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

Serious side effects of Verelan PM

Along with its needed effects, verapamil (the active ingredient contained in Verelan PM) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking verapamil:

Less common

• Blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

• Cough
• difficulty breathing
• noisy breathing
• tightness in chest
• wheezing

Incidence not known

• Convulsions
• loss of bladder control
• muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
• sudden loss of consciousness

Other side effects of Verelan PM

Some side effects of verapamil may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Headache

Rare

• Hives or welts
• itching
• nausea
• redness of skin
• skin rash
• stomach soreness or discomfort

Incidence not known

• Discouragement
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling sad or empty
• increased sweating
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• sensation of spinning
• sleepiness
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• uncontrolled eye movements

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to verapamil: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General

The most commonly reported side effects include constipation, dizziness, and headache.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Seizures occurred rarely with IV administration.

Paralysis/tetraparesis was reported in a patient taking this drug and colchicine concurrently.^[Ref]

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 12.1%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, lethargy

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Seizures

Frequency not reported: Rotary nystagmus, sleepiness, vertigo, lightheadedness, tingling, numbness, neuropathy

Postmarketing reports: Syncope, cerebrovascular accident, equilibrium disorders, parkinsonism/extrapyramidal symptoms/syndrome, paresthesia, shakiness/tremor, paralysis/tetraparesis, somnolence^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Symptomatic hypotension/hypotension/abrupt blood pressure fall, sinus bradycardia/bradycardia (heart rate less than 50 beats/minute), severe tachycardia, ankle edema/edema, development/aggravation of congestive heart failure (CHF), atrioventricular (AV) block, peripheral edema

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Second-/third-degree AV block, palpitations, orthostasis

Postmarketing reports: Angina pectoris/chest pain, AV dissociation, ECG abnormal, claudication, hypertension, myocardial infarction, sinus arrest with asystole, decreased myocardial contractility, cardiogenic shock, bradyarrhythmia in atrial fibrillation, vasculitis, erythromelalgia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular side effects may occur with greater intensity at higher doses or in patients with a history of myocardial damage.

Approximately 15% of patients who had atrial flutter/fibrillation and received this drug and digoxin developed resting ventricular rates below 50 beats/min; in the same trial, asymptomatic hypotension occurred in approximately 5% of patients.

Asystole occurred after second/third degree AV block and was usually short in duration, with spontaneous cardiac action returning within seconds in the form of a sinus rhythm.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal discomfort/pain

Frequency not reported: Non-obstructive paralytic ileus/ileus, bloating

Postmarketing reports: Dry mouth, gastrointestinal stress, gingival hyperplasia, vomiting^[Ref]

Non-obstructive paralytic ileus was reversible when treatment was stopped.

Gingival hyperplasia occurred when this drug was given over a prolonged period of time, and was reversible once the drug was discontinued.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary edema, pharyngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, dyspnea

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Broncho/laryngeal spasm^[Ref]

Bronchospasm and laryngeal spasm occurred during hypersensitivity reactions.^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, tiredness/malaise, accidental injury, pain

Frequency not reported: Infection, flu syndrome

Postmarketing reports: Tinnitus, asthenia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Scalp irritation, rash

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Itching, urticaria, flushing, exanthema

Frequency not reported: Diaphoresis, photodermatitis

Postmarketing reports: Ecchymosis, bruising, alopecia/hair loss, hyperkeratosis, macules, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hyperhidrosis/sweating, erythema multiforme, Quincke's edema/angioneurotic edema^[Ref]

Itch and urticaria occurred in hypersensitivity reactions.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Sleep disturbance

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bad dreams, depression/emotional depression

Postmarketing reports: Confusion, psychotic symptoms, insomnia, nervousness^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia

Frequency not reported: Muscle fatigue

Postmarketing reports: Muscle cramps, arthralgia^[Ref]

Hepatic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Elevated liver enzymes (transaminases, alkaline phosphatase)^[Ref]

Reversible elevations liver enzymes occurred during treatment, and are likely the result of a hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., allergic hepatitis).^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypersensitivity/allergic reactions

Postmarketing reports: Allergy aggravated^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Lowered glucose tolerance

Postmarketing reports: Hyperkalemia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Postmarketing reports: Galactorrhea, increased blood prolactin/hyperprolactinemia, increased urination, spotty menstruation, erectile dysfunction/impotence^[Ref]

Renal

Postmarketing reports: Renal failure^[Ref]

Endocrine

Postmarketing reports: Gynecomastia^[Ref]

Gynecomastia occurred in older male patients on prolonged treatment, and was reversible upon discontinuation of this drug.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Postmarketing reports: Purpura^[Ref]

Ocular

Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer