Verapamil: Uses, Dosage, and Safety Guide

When working with Verapamil, a prescription calcium‑channel blocker that helps control heart rhythm and blood pressure. Also known as Calan, it is commonly prescribed for hypertension, angina, and certain arrhythmias.

Verapamil belongs to the broader class of Calcium Channel Blockers, medications that relax the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. By blocking calcium entry, these drugs lower vascular resistance, which directly impacts Hypertension, the chronic elevation of arterial pressure that increases heart disease risk. Lowering blood pressure also eases the workload on the heart, making angina attacks less frequent.

How Verapamil Helps With Specific Heart Conditions

For people with Angina, chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, verapamil widens coronary arteries and reduces heart rate, which can prevent pain episodes. In cases of Atrial Fibrillation, an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to stroke, the drug slows electrical conduction through the AV node, helping to restore a more regular heartbeat.

When you take verapamil, the usual starting dose for hypertension is 80 mg twice daily, but doctors may adjust it based on your response and any other medicines you’re on. For angina, doses often start at 40 mg three times a day, while atrial fibrillation may require a 120 mg daily regimen. Always follow the prescription label and talk to your pharmacist if you’re unsure about timing.

Side effects are usually mild but worth watching. Common complaints include constipation, dizziness, and a feeling of warmth in the hands or feet. Rarely, verapamil can cause a slow heart rate or low blood pressure, especially when combined with beta‑blockers or digoxin. If you notice fainting, severe fatigue, or an irregular pulse, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Drug interactions are a big part of the safety picture. Verapamil can increase levels of certain statins, leading to muscle pain, and it may boost the effect of other blood pressure medicines, causing excessive hypotension. Always list every prescription, over‑the‑counter, and herbal product you use when your doctor reviews your treatment plan.

Understanding how verapamil fits into the larger picture of heart health helps you make smarter choices. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles covering everything from drug comparisons and buying guides to lifestyle tips that complement your medication regimen.