Verapamil Immediate-Release Tablets
Generic name: Verapamil Immediate-Release Tablets [ ver-AP-a-mil ]
Brand name: Calan
Drug classes: Calcium channel blockers, Group IV antiarrhythmics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 8, 2024.
Uses of Verapamil Immediate-Release Tablets:
- It is used to treat high blood pressure.
- It is used to treat certain types of abnormal heartbeats.
- It is used to treat some types of chest pain (angina).
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Verapamil Immediate-Release Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to verapamil or any other part of this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets); any part of this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Heart failure (weak heart); certain types of abnormal heartbeats like heart block, Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome, sick sinus syndrome, or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome; low blood pressure; or a slow heartbeat.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Dofetilide, ivabradine, or quinidine.
- If you are taking a beta blocker like atenolol, metoprolol, or propranolol.
- If you have taken disopyramide or flibanserin in the last 48 hours.
- If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets).
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Verapamil Immediate-Release Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets) affects you.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- If you are taking this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets) and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
- Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
- If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets) while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Verapamil Immediate-Release Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Keep taking this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Slow heartbeat.
- An abnormal heartbeat that is new or worse.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Related/similar drugs
Ubrelvy, amlodipine, acetaminophen, lisinopril, aspirin, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, carvedilol, ibuprofen
What are some other side effects of Verapamil Immediate-Release Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Constipation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Verapamil Immediate-Release Tablets?
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (verapamil immediate-release tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about verapamil
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
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- Reviews (180)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: calcium channel blockers
- Breastfeeding
- En español
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Professional resources
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.