Verelan PM (Verapamil ER)

What is Verelan PM?

Verelan PM belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. This calcium ion influx inhibitor is available for oral administration.

What is Verelan PM used for?

Verelan PM is used, with or without additional medication, for the treatment of angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure) and certain heart rhythm disorders. Controlled blood pressure further helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. Verelan PM may also lower the heart rate.

How does Verelan PM work?

Verelan PM works by relaxing the blood vessels and muscles of the heart so that blood can flow easily.

How to use Verelan PM

Follow your doctor’s instructions wisely. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. 

As directed by your doctor, consume Verelan PM either in the morning or at bedtime.

Usually Verelan PM is taken with or without food, once a day.

Avoid crushing or chewing the tablet, as doing so can release the entire drug at once and lead to risk of side effects.

Sprinkle it contents on a portion of soft, cool applesauce if it is difficult to swallow.

Consume the capsule or mixture at once without chewing. Make sure that you have swallowed all of the medicine.

Consume Verelan PM regularly for best results. To treat high blood pressure, Verelan PM may take a week before you get the full benefit.

Do not stop taking Verelan PM unless directed by the doctor as suddenly stopping of this drug can worsen your condition.

Verelan PM warnings and precautions

Do not use Verelan PM if you are allergic to the medicine or if you are suffering from low blood pressure, heart conditions which are serious in nature, such as sick sinus syndrome or AV block (unless you have a pacemaker).

Consult your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, or a nerve muscle disorder (for example muscular dystrophy). You might need an adjustment in the dosage.

Avoid activities that require alertness as Verelan PM may possibly make you feel dizzy.

Avoid alcohol beverages and do not get up too fast from a lying or sitting position in order to prevent a fall.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are on the dosing schedule of this medication.

Pregnant females should consult their doctors about whether to take the medicine or not as its effects on a fetus is not known. Lactating women are advised to take this medicine only after taking doctor’s permission as it is known to pass through breast milk and may affect a nursing infant.

What do I do if I have missed a Verelan PM dose?

If you have missed a Verelan PM dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Verelan PM overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Verelan PM, seek medical help right away.

Verelan PM interactions

Certain medications are known to interact with Verelan PM if taken in tandem with it. A list of such medications include cimetidine, buspirone, clonidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, simvastatin, lovastatin, theophylline, antifungal medications, antibiotics, beta blockers, cancer medicines, heart rhythm medications, sedatives, HIV/ AIDS medicines, or seizure medications.

Therefore, it is important to let your doctor know about all the medicines that you are on, before you start taking Verelan PM.

Verelan PM side effects

Contact your doctor immediately if you are suffering from any of the side effects.

Verelan PM side effects include hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling, fast or slow heartbeats, feeling of passing out, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, shortness of breath, headache, red skin rash, sore throat, rapid weight gain, stomach ache, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, nausea, or dark urine.

Less serious side effects of Verelan PM may include nausea, skin rash or itching, constipation, headache, tired feeling, dizziness; warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under the skin.