Verapamil: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker. It is a prescription medicine used for high blood pressure, angina and irregular heartbeat. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and injections, made by 2 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Verapamil works

Verapamil blocks calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This relaxes and widens the arteries, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the heart. It also slows electrical signals through the heart, which reduces the heart rate and its workload.

What is Verapamil used for?

• High blood pressure
• Angina
• Irregular heartbeat

Verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent chest pain from angina. It is also used to control or prevent certain fast heart rhythms, such as supraventricular tachycardia, and to slow the heart rate in atrial fibrillation. Specialists sometimes use it to prevent cluster headaches. It manages these conditions over the long term and works best when taken regularly.

Side effects of Verapamil

Verapamil can cause side effects in some people. The ones reported most often are:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Flushing
• Ankle swelling
• Tiredness

Get urgent medical help for fainting, a very slow or irregular heartbeat, worsening breathlessness or swollen ankles, chest pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Precautions and warnings

• Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, a slow heartbeat, heart block, low blood pressure or liver disease.
• Do not take it with beta-blockers such as atenolol or propranolol unless your specialist has advised it, as the combination can slow the heart dangerously.
• It interacts with many medicines, including digoxin, some statins, ciclosporin, clarithromycin and some antifungals, so check before starting anything new.
• Avoid grapefruit juice, limit alcohol, and do not drive if you feel dizzy.
• A high-fibre diet and plenty of fluids can help with constipation. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with your doctor.

Frequently asked questions about Verapamil

What is the price of Verapamil in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Verapamil products currently in stock range from Rs 244 to Rs 3,900 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Calan Tablets 40mg at Rs 244. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Verapamil are available in Pakistan?

Verapamil is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Calan (Searle Company Limited) and Isoptin (Imported Companies).

Do I need a prescription for Verapamil?

Yes. Verapamil is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Verapamil be used during pregnancy?

A high-fibre diet and plenty of fluids can help with constipation. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with your doctor.

Are all Verapamil brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Verapamil in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Verapamil brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 4 products containing Verapamil from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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