DESCRIPTION
This drug relaxes coronary vascular smooth muscle and increases oxygen delivery to the heart. It works by blocking calcium ions from entering the “slow channels” or select voltage-sensitive areas of vascular smooth muscle and heart tissue.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Swelling of the gum tissue, constipation, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, nausea, lowered heart rate, lightheadedness, constipation, wheezing.
CAUTIONS
Notify your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a drug in this class.
Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, severe left ventricular dysfunction or other types of heart problems, liver or kidney dysfunction.
Abrupt withdrawal may cause increased duration and frequency of chest pain.
The elderly may be at greater risk of experiencing low blood pressure and constipation associated with this therapy.
This drug is metabolized by and affects a specific set of liver enzymes (cytochrome P450 enzymes). Several other drugs interfere with these liver enzymes, and thus may increase or decrease the clearance of
verapamil from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing effectiveness. When these drugs are given in combination with verapamil, dosage adjustments may be needed. As
these are too numerous to list, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting a new medication, herbal, or nonprescription product.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Avoid grapefruit juice
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
St. John’s wort, dong quai, ephedra, yohimbe, ginseng, and garlic
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C. Excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Do not crush or chew the extended release formulations. Do not be concerned if you see the outer shell of the Covera-HS tablets in the stools.
