Verapamil: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Verapamil is a calcium-channel blocker used mainly to control certain fast heart rhythms. It reduces the movement of calcium through heart muscle and electrical conduction tissue, helping slow the heart rate and support a regular rhythm. Verapamil is a prescription medicine in the United Kingdom and has been available as a generic medicine since 1986-10-01.

Verapamil injection is used for rapid conversion to a normal heart rhythm in paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, including some cases linked with accessory bypass tracts. It is also used for temporary control of a fast ventricular rate in atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation, except when these conditions are linked with an accessory bypass tract.

The injection is given in a monitored clinical setting because serious changes in blood pressure, heart rhythm or heart conduction can occur. The label describes use for heart rhythm problems rather than general treatment of symptoms such as occasional palpitations without a diagnosed cause.

Verapamil is a calcium-channel blocker. Calcium is needed for heart muscle contraction and for electrical signals to pass through parts of the heart. By reducing calcium entry, verapamil can slow electrical conduction through the atrioventricular node and reduce the force of contraction.

This can slow a fast ventricular rate and help some abnormal rhythms return to a normal sinus rhythm. The same effects can lower blood pressure and may slow the heart too much in susceptible people. Intravenous treatment therefore requires continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring, as described by the label.

The label lists oral capsules, delayed release, of 120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, and 360 mg. The label lists oral extended-release capsules of 100 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg, 200 mg, 240 mg, and 300 mg. The label lists oral tablets of 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg, and 240 mg, plus extended-release tablets of 120 mg, 180 mg, and 240 mg.

The label lists intravenous injection strengths of 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/2 mL, and 10 mg/4 mL. The label lists an adult initial intravenous dose of 5 to 10 mg, given over at least 2 minutes, with a repeat dose of 10 mg 30 minutes after the first dose if the response is not adequate.

The label lists monitoring and different weight-based doses for children. Older patients require administration over at least 3 minutes.

A missed dose should be handled according to the prescribed formulation and the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. Verapamil injection is administered by healthcare professionals, so a missed hospital or clinic treatment needs prompt contact with the treating service.

A missed oral dose should not lead to an extra dose unless a prescriber or pharmacist advises this. The correct action can depend on whether the formulation is immediate release, delayed release or extended release.

Animal reproduction studies found no evidence of teratogenicity, but effects including reduced fetal growth and development occurred in rats at the stated exposure. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

The label states that verapamil should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.

The label lists storage at 20 to 25°C. The injection should remain in its package to protect it from light until ready for use.

It is supplied in single-dose containers. Unused solution should be discarded immediately after withdrawal of any portion.