Verapamil
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used for high blood pressure, some angina types, and certain heart rhythm problems such as supraventricular tachycardia when your cardiologist selects it. It is not interchangeable with dihydropyridine calcium blockers like amlodipine in all situations.
This medicine is part of the Blood pressure, cholesterol & related category.
Generic name: verapamil
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used for high blood pressure, some angina types, and certain heart rhythm problems such as supraventricular tachycardia when your cardiologist selects it.
How long does it take to work?
Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges.
What are common side effects?
Constipation, ankle swelling, headache, dizziness, or slow pulse can occur.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Verapamil with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Verapamil is used for
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used for high blood pressure, some angina types, and certain heart rhythm problems such as supraventricular tachycardia when your cardiologist selects it.
It is not interchangeable with dihydropyridine calcium blockers like Amlodipine in all situations.
How does Verapamil work, and how long does it take to work?
It slows electrical conduction through the heart’s AV node and relaxes blood vessels, lowering pressure and heart rate in many people.
Different formulations exist — standard and modified release are not swapped without medical advice.
How and when should you take Verapamil?
Swallow tablets as your label directs, often with food if stomach upset occurs. Do not chew modified-release tablets.
Grapefruit juice can raise verapamil levels — large amounts are best avoided unless your prescriber says otherwise.
What are the common side effects of Verapamil?
Constipation, ankle swelling, headache, dizziness, or slow pulse can occur.
Many people tolerate stable doses well after titration.
Serious side effects of Verapamil — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for fainting, very slow pulse, new severe breathlessness, or heart failure worsening.
Liver problems are rare but possible — report yellowing of eyes or skin.
What if you miss a dose of Verapamil?
Take when remembered unless nearly time for next; do not double.
Who should not take Verapamil?
Severe heart failure in some settings, sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker, certain heart blocks, and low blood pressure need alternatives.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding need prescriber advice.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Verapamil? — other interactions
Beta-blockers together increase heart block risk. Digoxin levels can rise. Simvastatin dose limits apply with verapamil. Dabigatran levels can increase.
Verapamil in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss with your prescriber — use in pregnancy only when clearly needed.
Blood tests and monitoring on Verapamil
ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, and liver tests may be checked when starting or if symptoms change.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Verapamil?
Diltiazem, beta-blockers, or Amlodipine may be used depending on the condition being treated.
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Frequently asked questions about Verapamil
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Verapamil used for?
- Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used for high blood pressure, some angina types, and certain heart rhythm problems such as supraventricular tachycardia when your cardiologist selects it. It is not interchangeable with dihydropyridine calcium blockers like Amlodipine in all situations.
- How long does Verapamil take to work?
- Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Verapamil with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Verapamil with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Verapamil?
- Constipation, ankle swelling, headache, dizziness, or slow pulse can occur. Many people tolerate stable doses well after titration. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Why am I constipated on verapamil?
- Verapamil relaxes gut muscle as well as blood vessels. Fibre, fluids, and gentle laxatives may help — ask your pharmacist; sometimes a dose review is needed.
- Can I take verapamil with bisoprolol?
- Combination is sometimes used under cardiology supervision but raises heart block risk — never start both together without a prescriber’s plan.
Need personalised advice?
Your local pharmacist or GP surgery can help with questions about your medicines, side effects, and alternatives that may be suitable for you.
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Often used with
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