Verapamil (generic for Isoptin®) uses, dosing, and safety

What Verapamil Is and How It Works

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used for high blood pressure, angina, and certain fast heart rhythms. It relaxes vascular smooth muscle and slows conduction through the atrioventricular node. You can check the verapamil price and strengths before adding to cart. This medicine comes as immediate‑release and extended‑release oral tablets and capsules.

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For blood pressure, verapamil reduces systemic vascular resistance and lowers systolic and diastolic values. For supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), it slows AV nodal conduction to control ventricular rate. In angina, it decreases myocardial oxygen demand by reducing afterload and heart rate. Some clinicians also use verapamil for cluster headaches under specialist guidance.

Verapamil oral options include verapamil pills in 80 mg immediate‑release tablets and several extended‑release strengths such as verapamil 120mg, verapamil 180mg, and verapamil 240mg. Dosing is individualized based on indication, response, and tolerability.

Dosage and Usage

• Hypertension (immediate‑release tablet): Typical starting dose is 80 mg three times daily. The dose may increase at 1–2 week intervals to achieve goal blood pressure.
• Hypertension/angina (extended‑release): Common starting doses are 120–180 mg once daily at bedtime or in the morning. The dose may increase to 240–360 mg daily, and some may need 480 mg.
• SVT rate control: Dosing varies by formulation and clinical setting. Maintenance dosing is tailored by a cardiology prescriber.
• Take tablets at the same time each day. Use the lowest effective dose that maintains control.
• Swallow extended‑release tablets/capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or split extended‑release products.
• You may take with food or consistently without food. Stay consistent with your routine.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Do not stop suddenly unless your prescriber directs you. Tapering may be needed.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Levels of verapamil may increase.

• Storage: Store verapamil tablets at 15–30°C (59–86°F). Keep dry and protect from light.
• Bottles: Keep the cap tightly closed. Use the original container with desiccant if present.
• Travel: Carry enough doses for the trip in your hand luggage. Keep a copy of your verapamil prescription.
• Heat: Avoid leaving medicine in a hot car. Short exposures are okay, but return to room temperature before use.
• Moisture: Do not store in a bathroom. Use a cool, dry place.
• Children and pets: Store out of reach and sight.

Benefits and Savings

Verapamil lowers blood pressure and reduces angina episodes. It can slow the heart rate in SVT and help prevent hospital visits. Extended‑release tablets allow once‑daily dosing, which supports adherence. Many people find the medicine verapamil easy to take long term.

Ordering verapamil online through our pharmacy helps you compare verapamil cost across strengths like verapamil 120mg, verapamil 180mg, and verapamil 240mg. You may see 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Multi‑month supplies and bulk promotions often lower per‑month costs.

Looking for extra savings? See our verapamil coupon options on the promotions page.

We also offer reorder reminders to help you stay on track. You can review the price of verapamil and select the format that fits your prescription.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: Constipation, dizziness, headache, flushing, nausea, fatigue, and edema of the ankles or feet.
• Cardiac: Low heart rate (bradycardia), low blood pressure, and slow AV conduction.
• Gastrointestinal: Abdominal discomfort and reflux symptoms.
• Nervous system: Lightheadedness and mild weakness.
• Skin/oral: Rash and gingival hyperplasia with long‑term use.
• Liver: Mild increases in liver enzymes may occur.

Serious effects are uncommon but can include heart block, heart failure worsening, severe hypotension, and severe skin reactions. Seek urgent care for fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens, or severe rash. Use caution with beta‑blockers; the combination can increase bradycardia and AV block risk. Verapamil interacts with CYP3A4 substrates and inhibitors; your prescriber may adjust doses of affected drugs, including certain statins.

Onset Time

Immediate‑release verapamil begins lowering blood pressure within 1–2 hours, with peak effect around 3–5 hours after a dose. Extended‑release versions start working the first day, and steady response often builds over 1–2 weeks as the dose is adjusted. Angina frequency may improve within days. For SVT rate control, effect on heart rate is seen with dose administration and maintained with regular dosing.

Compare With Alternatives

Brand‑name verapamil is available as sustained‑release options such as Isoptin® Sr. The active ingredient is the same as generic for verapamil tablets, and many patients choose the generic for cost savings.

Beta‑blockers are another option for blood pressure and angina. For example, nebivolol is available as Bystolic®, and atenolol is sold as Tenormin. These reduce heart rate and blood pressure but differ in side‑effect profiles.

Diltiazem is a related non‑dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It also slows AV node conduction and lowers blood pressure. Choice between verapamil and diltiazem depends on individual response, heart‑rate goals, and tolerability.

Combination Therapy

• With ACE inhibitors or ARBs: Often combined for blood pressure control.
• With thiazide diuretics: Adds complementary blood pressure lowering.
• With long‑acting nitrates: Used in chronic angina management.
• With beta‑blockers: Use only with careful monitoring due to bradycardia/AV block risk; dose adjustments may be needed.
• With statins: Your prescriber may reduce the dose of simvastatin or switch to a statin less affected by CYP3A4.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with high blood pressure, chronic stable angina, or need for ventricular rate control in certain supraventricular arrhythmias. Verapamil for high blood pressure can be used alone or with other agents. Extended‑release tablets support once‑daily dosing.

Verapamil may not be suitable for people with severe left ventricular dysfunction, cardiogenic shock, severe hypotension, sick sinus syndrome or second/third‑degree AV block (unless paced), or Wolff‑Parkinson‑White syndrome with atrial fibrillation. Use caution in liver impairment and in older adults who may be more sensitive to dose effects.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Discuss risks and benefits with your clinician. Pediatric dosing is specialized and should follow a cardiologist’s guidance. Off‑label uses, including verapamil for cluster headaches, should be supervised by a specialist.

To save on verapamil cost, compare strengths and quantities. Larger fills can reduce unit pricing. Set up simple reorder reminders in your account so you do not run out. You can upload your verapamil prescription at checkout and select the form that matches your prescriber’s instructions.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information: Verapamil

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Verapamil

Manufacturer Information for Isoptin

Order Verapamil from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the patient information you receive with your medicine.