verapamil
n a calcium antagonist used in the treatment of essential hypertension, angina, and arrhythmia. It is administered by mouth; side-effects include constipation, nausea, and hypotension. Trade names: Cordilox, Securon, Univer
Verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). The immediate-release tablets are also used alone or with other medications to prevent and treat irregular heartbeats. Verapamil is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and slows electrical activity in the heart to control the heart rate. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking verapamil affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
No studies have looked at whether verapamil makes it harder to get pregnant. In some people, verapamil can raise levels of a hormone called prolactin, which may cause the body to produce milk even when not breastfeeding (galactorrhea), and people with this side effect may have more difficulty getting pregnant. Any concerns about fertility should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking verapamil increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons, and no studies have specifically looked at whether verapamil increases this chance. The fact sheet notes one study of 78 women taking calcium channel blockers (32 on verapamil) that did not find a higher chance of miscarriage. This is something to discuss further with your healthcare provider.
Does taking verapamil increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet notes that about 3 in 100 babies are born with a birth defect for various reasons, and information specifically on verapamil in pregnancy is limited. Most studies of women who took verapamil or other calcium channel blockers did not find a higher chance of birth defects. A healthcare provider can help weigh the available information in the context of an individual situation.
Can taking verapamil during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Some studies have reported a higher chance of preterm birth (before 37 weeks) or low birth weight (under 2500 grams) with calcium channel blockers, including verapamil, but it is not known whether this is due to the medication, the underlying condition being treated, other medications, or other factors. Uncontrolled high blood pressure during pregnancy has also been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. Two studies found no long-term effects on heart function in 40 newborns exposed to verapamil later in pregnancy. These considerations are best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking verapamil during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, no studies have been done to look at whether verapamil could increase the chance of behavior or learning problems in the child. Any questions about long-term child development should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking verapamil?
The fact sheet notes that verapamil passes into breast milk in small amounts, and three infants (aged 13 days, 8 weeks, and 3 months) exposed through breast milk did not show any problems. The product label recommends that breastfeeding women not use this medication because there is not enough information on how verapamil in breast milk could affect a nursing infant, though the benefits of using verapamil while breastfeeding may outweigh possible risks in some situations. This decision should be made together with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
verapamil