Verapamil: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Facts extracted from current FDA product labeling for Verapamil. Educational only — not medical advice.
Reported adverse reactions
| Reaction | Highest frequency reported* |
|---|---|
| Constipation | 7.4% |
| Headache | 5.3% |
| Dizziness | 4.2% |
| Lethargy | 3.2% |
| Nausea | 2.7% |
| Dyspepsia | 2.5% |
| Hypotension | 2.5% |
| Edema | 1.9% |
| Chf/pulmonary edema | 1.8% |
| Fatigue | 1.7% |
| Rash | 1.4% |
| Ankle edema | 1.4% |
| Sleep disturbance | 1.4% |
| Bradycardia (hr<50/min) | 1.4% |
| Av block-total 1°, 2°, 3° | 1.2% |
| Myalgia | 1.1% |
| 2° and 3° | 0.8% |
| Flushing | 0.6% |
*Highest percentage across placebo-controlled trial tables summarized in current labeling.
Labeled uses
Verapamil hydrochloride sustained-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes including this drug. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program's Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded…
Medical disclaimer: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medication.