VERAPAMIL HCL

Verapamil Hydrochloride 80mg, Oral tablet

Alcohol

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can cause serious side effects, such as central nervous system (CNS) depression and dangerously low blood pressure, and can increase the risk of falling. Call emergency services right away if you experience symptoms of CNS depression: slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake. Contact your care team right away if you experience symptoms of dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision.

· Notes for Professionals: Advise patients to avoid alcohol and alcohol-containing products while taking verapamil. Verapamil has been found to significantly inhibit alcohol elimination resulting in elevated blood alcohol concentrations that may prolong the intoxicating effects of alcohol. The patient may experience an increase in sedation, dizziness, hypotension, and CNS depression.

Verapamil Hydrochloride 80mg, Oral tablet

Caffeine-containing Foods/Beverages

· Severity: Mild

· Notes for Consumers: Although an interaction is possible, these drugs are often used together. Side effects from caffeine may get worse if you take verapamil. Too much caffeine can cause effects like nausea, nervousness, or sleeplessness. You may need to limit your caffeine intake. Common foods and beverages containing caffeine include coffee, teas, colas and chocolate. Many non-prescription drugs and diet aids may also contain caffeine.

· Notes for Professionals: Verapamil reduces the clearance of caffeine and increases serum caffeine concentrations, presumably via inhibition of hepatic metabolism. During concomitant therapy with verapamil, it may be prudent to advise patients to limit or minimize the intake of caffeinated products to minimize caffeine-related side effects.

Verapamil Hydrochloride 80mg, Oral tablet

Grapefruit juice

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Avoid taking verapamil with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice and grapefruit-containing foods may increase the effects of verapamil. If your heart rate or blood pressure drops too low while taking this medicine, you may become dizzy or feel faint; do not stand or sit up too quickly. Contact your prescriber if you have dizziness which does not go away while taking this medicine. If you notice new or increased swelling of your legs or ankles, tell your health care provider.

· Notes for Professionals: Grapefruit juice contains an unknown compound that can inhibit the cytochrome P-450 CYP3A4 isozyme in the gut wall. Grapefruit juice can increase the serum concentrations and oral bioavailability of verapamil. Co-administration of oral verapamil with grapefruit juice significantly increases the AUC and peak plasma concentrations of verapamil. It is generally recommended to avoid grapefruit juice during verapamil therapy.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>