What is Verelan?

Common Brand(s): Verelan

Verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Verapamil belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Verapamil may also lower your heart rate.

Uses

• hypertension
• paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
• multifocal atrial tachycardia
• cluster headache prevention
• ventricular rate control in atrial fibrillation
• prevention of anginal pain associated with coronary artery disease

Usage Instructions

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Depending on your specific brand, take this medication either in the morning or at bedtime as directed. Consult your pharmacist if you have any questions about when to take the medication.

Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once and may increase your risk of side effects.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and carefully sprinkle its contents on a spoonful of soft, cool applesauce just before you take it. Swallow all of the drug/food mixture right away without chewing. Then rinse your mouth and swallow the rinse liquid to make sure that you have swallowed all of the medicine. Do not chew the mixture or prepare a supply in advance.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take a week before you get the full benefit of this drug. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.