Drug Name

Isoptin (Verapamil)

Drug Uses

Isoptin is used for treating high blood pressure. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Isoptin as directed by your doctor.

• Isoptin may be taken by mouth with or without food.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Isoptin.
• Swallow Isoptin whole. Do not crush or chew before swallowing.
• Continue to take Isoptin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking Isoptin at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Isoptin.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Isoptin is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing (dilating) your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store Isoptin between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Isoptin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Isoptin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Isoptin;
• you have certain heart problems (eg, left-ventricular dysfunction, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree heart block and do not have a pacemaker), very low blood pressure, or moderate to severe congestive heart failure;
• you have atrial fibrillation or flutter and a pre-excitation syndromes (extra conduction pathway in the heart), such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome (LGL);
• you have shock due to serious heart problems;
• you are taking dofetilide, eletriptan, erythromycin, or disopyramide.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Isoptin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, complete blood cell count, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Isoptin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Isoptin with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Isoptin should not be used in children younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using while you are pregnant. Isoptin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Isoptin.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; dizziness; fatigue; general feeling of being unwell; headache; lightheadedness; nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; fever; lightheadedness, especially upon standing; severe dizziness; shortness of breath; swelling of feet or hands; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

Isoptin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.