Verapamil belongs to a class of medication called calcium channel blockers. It is used to treat and prevent angina, control abnormal heart rhythms (e.g. atrial fibrillation), treat high blood pressure and supraventricular arrhythmia.
Verapamil can be taken orally as conventional tablets or sustained-release tablets, or given in hospital by injections. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew it.
For angina:
Usual oral starting dose of immediate-release Verapamil for angina is 80-120 mg three times daily. You may increase the dose at daily intervals based on response. The maximum dose is 480 mg/day in three divided doses.
Usual oral starting dose of sustained-release Verapamil for angina is 180 mg once daily. You may increase the dose at weekly intervals based on response. The maximum dose is 480 mg/day once daily.
For hypertension:
Usual oral starting dose of immediate-release Verapamil for hypertension is 80 mg three times daily. You may increase the dose at weekly intervals based on response. The maximum dose is 480 mg/day in three divided doses.
Usual oral dose of sustained-release Verapamil for hypertension is 120-360 mg once daily. You may increase the dose at weekly intervals based on response. The maximum dose is 480 mg/day in one to two divided doses.
For atrial fibrillation:
Usual oral starting dose of Verapamil for atrial fibrillation is 240-320mg. The maximum dose is 480 mg/day in three divided doses.
Common side effects of Verapamil include headache, oedema, constipation, lethargy, nausea and dyspepsia.
Common dosing schedule:
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Verapamil may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Verapamil is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Verapamil in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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