Verapamil Sustained-Release Oral Capsules

What is this medicine?

VERAPAMIL (ver AP a mil) is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes your blood vessels and decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It treats high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this drug by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush or chew this drug. Swallow the capsules whole. You may open the capsule and put the contents in 1 teaspoon of applesauce. Swallow the drug and applesauce right away. Do not chew the drug or applesauce. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

Do not take this drug with grapefruit juice.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)

• heart failure (trouble breathing; fast, irregular heartbeat; sudden weight gain; swelling of the ankles, feet, hands; unusually weak or tired)

• heartbeat rhythm changes (trouble breathing; chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular heartbeat; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls)

• low blood pressure (dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• facial flushing

• headache

• nausea

• stomach pain

• unusual swelling

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cisapride

• disopyramide

• dofetilide

• grapefruit juice

• hawthorn

• pimozide

• red yeast rice

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• barbiturates such as phenobarbital

• cimetidine

• cyclosporine

• lithium

• local anesthetics or general anesthetics

• medicines for heart rhythm problems like amiodarone, digoxin, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine

• medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems

• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin

• rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine

• theophylline or aminophylline

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy

• heart disease

• irregular heartbeat or rhythm

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• an unusual or allergic reaction to verapamil, other drugs, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care provider what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this drug without asking your health care provider for advice. Some drugs may increase your blood pressure.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.