Description

80 mg Verapamil

Verapamil 80mg is a prescription medicine in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Doctors may use verapamil to treat high blood pressure, to prevent chest pain caused by angina and to control some abnormal heart rhythms. The usual strength of verapamil tablets is 80 mg, but the actual strength and form of the drug will depend on the patient’s medical condition and treatment plan.

What is Verapamil 80 mg?

Verapamil works by blocking the flow of calcium into the muscles of your heart and blood vessels. And so it helps to relax and widen blood vessels. At the same time, it can also slow the heart rate and reduce the workload on the heart. So it’s used by doctors for a number of cardiovascular conditions.

Verapamil affects the heart and blood pressure, so it’s important that patients only take it as directed by their healthcare provider. The medicine is available in regular tablets and in slow-release tablets, and the products are not taken in exactly the same way.

What Is Verapamil 80mg Used For?

Verapamil 80mg can be prescribed for a number of conditions. Common uses include high blood pressure and angina, or chest pain caused by decreased blood flow to the heart; Verapamil tablets (immediate-release) are also used to treat or prevent certain irregular heartbeats.

Specialists also sometimes prescribe verapamil for cluster headaches. However, this use needs medical guidance as the treatment plan may differ from cardiovascular treatment.

How Does Verapamil Work

First, verapamil reduces the influx of calcium into some muscle cells. It relaxes the muscles in the walls of blood vessels. This makes it easier for blood to move through . This can help lower blood pressure .

Verapamil also changes the electrical activity of the heart. It can slow the heart rate and control some abnormal heart beats. Better blood flow and less work for the heart can help prevent chest pain in people with angina.

What is the dosage of Verapamil 80mg?

Take Verapamil 80mg exactly as directed. The dosing regimen depends on the condition being treated, the formulation and individual factors. Standard tablets can be taken two or three times a day, but slow-release products are usually taken less often. Thus, patients should follow the directions on the prescription and not change the schedule on their own.

Take the medicine at roughly the same time each day. If you skip a dose, follow the directions for your medication. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not suddenly stop taking verapamil without talking to your doctor if you take it long term.

Side effects Common

Like all medicines, Verapamil 80mg can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them but they can happen. Constipation is one of the most common. Some people may also get sick (nausea), flushing, headache, dizziness, tiredness or a feeling of weakness.

Mild side effects may improve as your body gets used to the medicine. But see a doctor or chemist about any symptoms that persist or cause trouble.

Call your doctor right away if you have very bad symptoms. They include a lot of swelling, signs of a very bad allergic reaction, or chest pain that does not go away.

Drug Interactions of Verapamil 80mg

Verapamil can interact with other medications. Verapamil can affect the way some medicines work, including medicines used for heart rhythm problems, some antibiotics, antifungal medicines, digoxin, some epilepsy medicines and some medicines used to lower cholesterol. Always tell your doctor or chemist about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins and herbal supplements you use.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also increase the levels of verapamil in the body and may increase side effects. Grapefruit should not be taken when using verapamil, according to NHS guidance.

Who needs to be extra careful?

If you have low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, heart failure, a very slow heart rate or certain heart conditions, you may need special assessment before taking verapamil. Tell your healthcare provider about any of the following conditions before you start treatment.

Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also talk to their healthcare professional before making any changes to treatment.

Verapamil 80mg Frequently Asked Questions

What is Verapamil 80mg used for?

It can be used for high blood pressure, angina and some irregular heart beats . Verapamil may also be used by specialists for cluster headaches.

Is verapamil 80mg a high blood pressure medication?

Yes. Calcium channel blocker verapamil can be used to lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.

Does Verapamil 80mg slow down the heart?

Yes. Verapamil slows down electrical activity and the heart rate in the heart. This is why doctors use it for some abnormal heart rhythms.

**Can I stop Verapamil 80 mg abruptly?**

Do not stop taking verapamil as directed by your doctor. Stopping treatment abruptly may lead to an increase in blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.

Can I take grapefruit with Verapamil 80 mg?

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase the level of verapamil in the body and increase side effects.

Final thought

When prescribed correctly by a healthcare provider, verapamil 80 mg can be a significant part of the management of certain heart and blood pressure conditions. But the right dose, formulation and course of treatment will differ from person to person. So take the medicine as directed, tell your healthcare professional about any other medicines you are taking, and report any unusual or serious symptoms immediately.