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Verapamil Injection
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
VERAPAMIL – INJECTION
(ver-APP-uh-mill)
COMMON BRAND NAME: Isoptin
USES: This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By blocking calcium, verapamil relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heart rates. Verapamil is used to treat irregular heartbeats.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for high blood pressure or chest pain (angina).
HOW TO USE: This drug is given by direct intravenous (IV) injection. Generally, the injection is given slowly with heart and blood pressure monitoring over at least a two minute period (at least three minutes in the elderly). Generally the starting dose is 5-10 mg, with a second dose 15-30 minutes later if necessary. Children’s doses may range from 0.75 mg to 5 mg. Dosage is tailored to each person’s medical problems.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea and headache are unlikely but could occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly: irregular or very slow heartbeat, fainting or dizziness, difficulty breathing, leg or ankle swelling, rapid weight gain, seizures. Very unlikely but report immediately: fever, malaise, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, excessive sweating. In the unlikely event of an allergic reaction, notify your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: skin rash, hives, itching, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart problems, liver problems, kidney disease, very low blood pressure, muscular dystrophy, brain tumors (cancer). Verapamil prolongs and intensifies the effects of alcohol in your system. Avoid (or very carefully limit) alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. Caution is advised when this drug is used in neonates and infants. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and a decision should be made whether to stop the drug or avoid breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you may use, especially of: beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, timolol- including eye drops), intravenous (IV) calcium, digoxin, high blood pressure drugs (e.g., water pills, ACE inhibitors), quinidine, disopyramide, carbamazepine, lithium, flecainide, theophylline, cyclosporine, neuromuscular blocking drugs (e.g., for surgery), inhaled anesthetics that can decrease the heart’s pumping action. Mixing of IV verapamil and IV sodium bicarbonate/saline solutions, nafcillin, albumin, amphotericin B, hydralazine, aminophylline or trimethoprim/sulfa is not recommended (incompatible chemicals). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: EKG, blood pressure, and other heart monitoring will be performed during treatment. Laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor for side effects. Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose consult your doctor or pharmacist.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).