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Drug uses
Isoptin (Verapamil) is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Isoptin (Verapamil) relaxes (widens) blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces its workload.
Isoptin (Verapamil) is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), to treat angina (chest pain), and to control some types of irregular heartbeats.
Before using
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking rifampin, theophylline, carbamazepine, digoxin, digitoxin, intravenous (iv) calcium, flecainide, quinidine, or medicine for heart conditions or high blood pressure (beta blockers). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Use of Isoptin (Verapamil) is not recommended if you have a history of low blood pressure, heart block, severe heart failure, or certain abnormal heart rhythms (wolff-parkinson-white, lown-ganong-levine, or sick sinus syndromes). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Isoptin (Verapamil).
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Store Isoptin (Verapamil) at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not stop taking Isoptin (Verapamil) without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.
Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. While you are using Isoptin (Verapamil), brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. Isoptin (Verapamil) is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, fatigue, nausea, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience shortness of breath, swelling of feet or hands, irregular pulse, unusually fast or slow pulse, or severe dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
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.
Additional information
Do not share Isoptin (Verapamil) with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep Isoptin (Verapamil) out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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