Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Verapamil hydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for 2. What you need to know before you use Verapamil Injection 3. How to use Verapamil Injection 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Verapamil Injection 6. Contents of the pack and other information 1. What is Verapamil Injection and what is it used for Verapamil Injection contains the active substance verapamil hydrochloride. Verapamil Injection belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers. Verapamil Injection is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms such as an irregular or rapid heart rate in adults, and children aged 0 to 15 years. 2. • • • • •
• • •
e Verapamil Injection
Do not take Verapamil Injection:
If you are allergic to verapamil hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). If you have had a heart attack with shock. If you had a heart attack, particularly if a slow heartbeat, low blood pressure or a type of heart failure called 'left ventricular failure'. If you have an abnormally slow, fast or irregular heartbeat. If you have second- or third-degree atrioventricular block or sino-atrial block. This is a disorder where parts of your heart may beat at the wrong time causing it not to pump blood around the body very well (unless a permanent pacemaker is in place). If you have a problem where your heart beats very slowly (bradycardia), unless you have been fitted with a pacemaker. If you have suffered from heart problems such as heart failure, or the heart condition called Wolff Parkinson-White syndrome. If you are currently being treated with ivabradine (for heart conditions).
• •
If you have very low blood pressure. If you are currently receiving intravenous beta-blockers, e.g. atenolol, propranolol.
Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or nurse before using Verapamil Injection. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding.
• • • • • • • • •
Midazolam, (used as a sedative or anaesthetic) Theophylline (used to treat asthma) Cimetidine (used to treat indigestion or stomach ulcers) Rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis and other types of infection) Carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital (phenobarbitone), medicines used as anticonvulsants Ritonavir (used to treat HIV) Erythromycin, clarithromycin and telithromycin (used to treat types of infection) Colchicine or sulfinpyrazone (used to treat gout) Metformin. Verapamil may decrease the glucose-lowering effect of metformin.
Verapamil Injection with drink and alcohol
Verapamil may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, you MUST check with your doctor before you do so. This medicine can affect the way the body gets rid of alcohol. This means that you may not have to drink as much for the blood alcohol levels to be above the legal limit to drive. It will also take you longer to sober up.
This is particularly important if you have had prolonged intravenous therapy or if you have switched to oral (tablet) treatment.
Verapamil Injection Verapamil Injection is given to you by injection into a vein (Intravenously). This will be carried out by a doctor. The dose will vary according to your condition this will be decided by the doctor. The medical team in the hospital may monitor your blood pressure and ECG (The electrical activity of the heart) throughout your treatment. The usual doses are as follows Adults 5-10 mg by slow intravenous injection over a period of 2 minutes. If necessary, an extra 5 mg may be injected after 5 to 10 minutes. Elderly In elderly patients, the injection may be given at a slower rate. If necessary, an extra 5 mg may be injected after 5 to 10 minutes. Use in children and adolescents 0-1 Year: 0.1 to 0.2 mg per kg bodyweight 1-15 years: 0.1 to 0.3 mg per kg bodyweight The injection may be repeated after 30 minutes, if necessary. If you use more Verapamil Injection than you should If you think you have been given too much of his medicine, talk to your doctor or nurse straight away. If you stop using Verapamil Injection Your doctor or nurse will let you know when to stop having this medicine. You may need to stop having it gradually. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or nurse. 4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Verapamil Injection can cause side effects. Verapamil Injection affects the rhythm of the heart, but may also slow down the heart rate and cause a drop in blood pressure in some patients. The medical team will therefore monitor you closely during your treatment. If you experience any of the following side effects tell your doctor IMMEDIATELY:
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Verapamil Injection Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 30°C and protect from light. The doctor or nurse will check that the expiry date on the label has not passed before you are given the injection. It should NOT be used after the expiry date printed on the label.
What Verapamil Injection contains: • •
The active substance is verapamil hydrochloride. Each ampoule of injection solution contains 2.5 mg per ml verapamil hydrochloride. The other ingredients are water for injections, sodium chloride, and hydrochloric acid as pH adjuster.
What Verapamil Injection looks like and contents of the pack The product is available in 2 ml ampoules, each containing 5 mg of verapamil hydrochloride. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Viatris Products Limited, Station Close, Potters Bar, EN6 1TL, United Kingdom. Manufacturer: FAMAR HEALTHCARE SERVICES MADRIDSAU. Avda.de Legan.62 28923 AlcorconMadrid, Spain. This leaflet was last revised in October 2025. ___________________________________________________________________________ ______ The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Verapamil 2.5 mg/ml Solution for injection. Verapamil Hydrochloride The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: This is an extract from the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) to assist in the administration of Verapamil 2.5 mg/ml Solution for injection. The prescriber should be familiar with the full SmPC in order to determine the appropriateness of the use of the product in a particular patient. The full SmPC can be found on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website: http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/. The Patient Information Leaflet provided (see other half of this leaflet) should be given to the patient. 1. Trade Name of the Medicinal Product Verapamil 2.5 mg/ml Solution for injection. 2. Qualitative and Quantitative Composition Verapamil Hydrochloride 2.5 mg/ml For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 3. Pharmaceutical Form Solution for injection. 4. Clinical Particulars
4.1. Therapeutic Indications Verapamil Injection is indicated for the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and the reduction of ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation. 4.2. Posology and Method of Administration For slow intravenous injection. Adults: 5-10 mg by slow intravenous injection over a period of 2 minutes. The patient should be observed continuously, preferably under ECG and blood pressure control. If necessary, e.g. in paroxysmal tachycardia, a further 5 mg may be given after 5 to 10 minutes. Children: Verapamil Injection must always be administered under ECG monitoring in young patients. 0-1 year: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg bodyweight (usual single dose range: 0.75-2 mg). 1-15 years: 0.1-0.3 mg/kg bodyweight (usual single dose range: 2-5 mg). The dose may be repeated after 30 minutes if necessary. Many cases are controlled by doses at the lower end of the range. The injection should be stopped at the onset of the desired effect. Elderly: The dosage should be administered over 3 minutes to minimise the risk of adverse effects. Dosage in impaired liver and renal function: Significant hepatic and renal impairment should not increase the effects of a single intravenous dose but may prolong its duration of action. For use with beta-blocker therapy, see 'Contra-indications' and 'Special Warnings and Precautions for Use'. 4.3. Contra-indications Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Cardiogenic shock; acute myocardial infarction complicated by bradycardia, marked hypotension or left ventricular failure; second or third degree AV block (except in patients with a functioning artificial ventricular pacemaker); sino-atrial block; sick sinus syndrome (except in patients with a functioning artificial ventricular pacemaker); uncompensated heart failure; bradycardia of less than 50 beats/minute; hypotension of less than 90 mmHg systolic; simultaneous administration of intravenous beta-blockers. Patients with atrial flutter/fibrillation in the presence of an accessory pathway (e.g. WPW syndrome) may develop increased conduction across the anomalous pathway and ventricular tachycardia may be precipitated. Combination with ivabradine (see section Interactions with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction). 4.4. Special Warnings and Precautions for Use
Verapamil hydrochloride injection should be given as a slow intravenous injection over at least a two-minute period of time under continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring. A small fraction of patients treated with verapamil hydrochloride respond with lifethreatening adverse responses including (rapid ventricular rate (in atrial flutter/fibrillation in the presence of an accessory bypass tract), marked hypotension or extreme bradycardia/asystole). Heart Block/ 1st Degree AV block/Bradycardia/Asystole Verapamil hydrochloride affects the AV and SA nodes and prolongs AV conduction time. Use with caution as development of second-or third-degree AV block (contraindication) or unifascicular, bifascicular or trifascicular bundle branch block requires discontinuation in subsequent doses of verapamil hydrochloride and institution of appropriate therapy, if needed. Verapamil hydrochloride affects the AV and SA nodes and rarely may produce second- or third-degree AV block, bradycardia, and, in extreme cases, asystole. This is more likely to occur in patients with a sick sinus syndrome (SA nodal disease), which is more common in older patients. Asystole in patients other than those with sick sinus syndrome is usually of short duration (few seconds or less), with spontaneous return to AV nodal or normal sinus rhythm. If this does not occur promptly, appropriate treatment should be initiated immediately. See Undesirable Effects Section. Although the pharmacokinetics of verapamil in patients with renal impairment are not affected, caution should be exercised and careful patient monitoring is recommended. Verapamil is not removed during dialysis. Caution should be exercised in treatment with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin or lovastatin) for patients taking verapamil. These patients should be started at the lowest possible dose of verapamil and titrated upwards. If verapamil treatment is to be added to patients already taking an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin or lovastatin), refer to advice in the respective statin product information. Use with caution in the presence of diseases in which neuromuscular transmission is affected (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy). Sodium:
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free' 4.6. Fertility, Pregnancy and lactation There are no adequate and well-controlled study data in pregnant women. Although animal studies have not shown any teratogenic effects (see section 5.3), verapamil should not be given during the first trimester of pregnancy unless, in the clinician's judgement, it is essential for the welfare of the patient. Verapamil hydrochloride is excreted in human breast milk. Limited human data from oral administration has shown that the infant relative dose of verapamil is low (0.1 – 1% of the mother's oral dose) and that verapamil use may be compatible with breastfeeding. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, verapamil should only be used during lactation if it is essential for the welfare of the mother. 4.8. Undesirable Effects Adverse events observed in clinical trials are depicted in the following table. Within each system organ class, the adverse drug reactions are ranked under headings of frequency, using the following convention: common (>1/100, <1/10), uncommon (>1/1,000, <1/100), rare (>1/10,000, <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), including isolated reports. System Organ Class Nervous system disorders Cardiac disorders/vascular disorders
Frequency
Undesirable Effects
common
–
common
–
Gastrointestinal disorders
uncommon
–
uncommon
–
dizziness headache bradycardia hypotension tachycardia nausea abdominal pain
Cases of seizures during verapamil hydrochloride injection have been reported. In rare cases of hypersensitivity, bronchospasm accompanied by pruritis and urticaria has been reported. Other Reactions from Postmarketing Surveillance or Phase IV Clinical Trials Other adverse events reported with verapamil are listed below by system organ class: Psychiatric disorders: on rare occasions, nervousness has been reported. Nervous system disorders: somnolence and extrapyramidal syndrome. Ear and labyrinth disorders: vertigo. Cardiac disorders/vascular disorders: decreased myocardial contractility has been reported. On rare occasions, 2nd and 3rd block may occur and in extreme cases, this may lead to asystole. The asystole is usually of short duration and cardiac action returns spontaneously
after a few seconds, usually in the form of sinus rhythm. If necessary, the procedures for the treatment of overdosage should be followed as described below. On rare occasions, flushing has been reported. Gastrointestinal disorders: gingival hyperplasia may occur very rarely when the drug is administered over prolonged periods, and is fully reversible when the drug is discontinued. On rare occasions, vomiting has also been reported. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Steven-Johnson syndrome, erythema and hyperhidrosis. Reproductive system and breast disorders: On very rare occasions, gynaecomastia has been observed in elderly male patients under long-term verapamil treatment; this was fully reversible in all cases when the drug was discontinued. Investigations: A reversible impairment of liver function characterized by an increase of transaminase and/or alkaline phosphatase may occur on very rare occasions during verapamil treatment and is most probably a hypersensitivity reaction. Reporting of suspected adverse reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. 4.9. Overdose The symptoms of overdosage include hypotension, shock, loss of consciousness, first and second degree AV block (frequently as Wenckebach's phenomenon with or without escape rhythms), total AV block with total AV dissociation, escape rhythm, asystole, bradycardia up to high degree AV block and, sinus arrest, hyperglycaemia, stupor and metabolic acidosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Fatalities have occurred as a result of overdose. Treatment of overdosage depends on the type and severity of symptoms. The specific antidote is calcium, e.g. 10-20 ml of 10% calcium gluconate solution i.v. (2.25-4.5 mmol) if necessary by repeated injection or continuous infusion (e.g. 5 mmol/hour). The usual emergency measures for acute cardiovascular collapse should be applied and followed by intensive care. Verapamil hydrochloride cannot be removed by haemodialysis. Similarly, in the case of second or third degree AV block, atropine, orciprenaline, isoprenaline and if required, pacemaker therapy should be considered. If there are signs of myocardial insufficiency, dopamine, dobutamine, cardiac glycosides or calcium gluconate (10-20 ml of a 10% solution) can be administered. In the case of hypotension, after appropriately positioning the patient, dopamine, dobutamine or noradrenaline may be given. 6.4. Special Precautions for Storage Do not store above 30°C. Protect from light.
7. Marketing Authorisation Holder Viatris Products Limited, Station Close, Potters Bar, EN6 1TL, United Kingdom. 8. Marketing Authorisation Number PL 46302/0026 LEGAL CATEGORY: POM This technical leaflet was last revised in October 2025.
Verapamil 2.5 mg/ml Solution for injection comes as injection containing 2.5mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Verapamil 2.5 mg/ml Solution for injection is verapamil hydrochloride.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Verapamil 2.5 mg/ml Solution for injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Verapamil Injection is indicated for the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and the reduction of ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation.
For slow intravenous injection.
Adults: 5-10 mg by slow intravenous injection over a period of 2 minutes. The patient should be observed continuously, preferably under ECG and blood pressure control. If necessary, e.g. in paroxysmal tachycardia, a further 5 mg may be given after 5 to 10 minutes.
Children: Verapamil Injection must always be administered under ECG monitoring in young patients.
0-1 year: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg bodyweight (usual single dose range: 0.75-2 mg).
1-15 years: 0.1-0.3 mg/kg bodyweight (usual single dose range: 2-5 mg).
The dose may be repeated after 30 minutes if necessary. Many cases are controlled by doses at the lower end of the range. The injection should be stopped at the onset of the desired effect.
Elderly: The dosage should be administered over 3 minutes to minimise the risk of adverse effects.
Dosage in impaired liver and renal function: Significant hepatic and renal impairment should not increase the effects of a single intravenous dose but may prolong its duration of action.
For use with beta-blocker therapy, see 'Contra-indications' and 'Special Warnings and Precautions for Use'.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Cardiogenic shock; acute myocardial infarction complicated by bradycardia, marked hypotension or left ventricular failure; second or third degree AV block (except in patients with a functioning artificial ventricular pacemaker); sino-atrial block; sick sinus syndrome (except in patients with a functioning artificial ventricular pacemaker); uncompensated heart failure; bradycardia of less than 50 beats/minute; hypotension of less than 90mmHg systolic; simultaneous administration of intravenous beta-blockers.
Patients with atrial flutter/fibrillation in the presence of an accessory pathway (e.g. WPW syndrome) may develop increased conduction across the anomalous pathway and ventricular tachycardia may be precipitated.
Combination with ivabradine (see section Interactions with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction).
Verapamil hydrochloride injection should be given as a slow intravenous injection over at least a two-minute period of time under continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
A small fraction of patients treated with verapamil hydrochloride respond with life-threatening adverse responses including (rapid ventricular rate (in atrial flutter/fibrillation in the presence of an accessaory bypass tract), marked hypotension or extreme bradycardia/asystole).
Heart Block/ 1st Degree AV block/Bradycardia/Asystole
Verapamil hydrochloride affects the AV and SA nodes and prolongs AV conduction time. Use with caution as development of second-or third-degree AV block (contraindication) or unifascicular, bifascicular or trifascicular bundle branch block requires discontinuation in subsequent doses of verapamil hydrochloride and institution of appropriate therapy, if needed.
Verapamil hydrochloride affects the AV and SA nodes and rarely may produce second- or third-degree AV block, bradycardia, and, in extreme cases, asystole. This is more likely to occur in patients with a sick sinus syndrome (SA nodal disease), which is more common in older patients.
Asystole in patients other than those with sick sinus syndrome is usually of short duration (few seconds or less), with spontaneous return to AV nodal or normal sinus rhythm. If this does not occur promptly, appropriate treatment should be initiated immediately. See Undesirable Effects Section.
Although the pharmacokinetics of verapamil in patients with renal impairment are not affected, caution should be exercised and careful patient monitoring is recommended. Verapamil is not removed during dialysis.
Caution should be exercised in treatment with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin or lovastatin) for patients taking verapamil. These patients should be started at the lowest possible dose of verapamil and titrated upwards. If verapamil treatment is to be added to patients already taking an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin or lovastatin), refer to advice in the respective statin product information.
Use with caution in the presence of diseases in which neuromuscular transmission is affected (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy).
Sodium:
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
In rare instances, including when patients with severe cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure or recent myocardial infarction were given intravenous beta-adrenergic blocking agents or disopyramide concomitantly with intravenous verapamil hydrochloride, serious adverse effects have occurred. Concomitant use of verapamil hydrochloride injection with agents that decrease adrenergic function may result in an exaggerated hypotensive response.
In vitro metabolic studies indicate that verapamil hydrochloride is metabolized by cytochrome P450 CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP2C18.
Verapamil has been shown to be an inhibitor of CYP3A4 enzymes and P- glycoprotein (P-gp). Clinically significant interactions have been reported with inhibitors of CYP3A4 causing elevation of plasma levels of verapamil hydrochloride while inducers of CYP3A4 have caused a lowering of plasma levels of verapamil hydrochloride, therefore, patients should be monitored for drug interactions. Coadministration of verapamil and a drug primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 or being a PDgp substrate may be associated with elevations in drug concentrations that could increase or prolong both therapeutic and adverse effects of the concomitant drug.
The following are potential drug interactions due to pharmacokinetic reasons:
Acetylsalicylic acid
Concomitant use of verapamil with aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Alcohol
Increase in blood alcohol has been reported.
Alpha blockers
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of prazosin and terazosin which may have an additive hypotensive effect.
Antiarrhythmics
Verapamil may slightly decrease the plasma clearance of flecainide whereas flecainide has no effect on the verapamil plasma clearance.
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of quinidine. Pulmonary oedema may occur in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The combination of verapamil and antiarrhythmic agents may lead to additive cardiovascular effects (e.g. AV block, bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure).
Care must be exercised if Verapamil Injection is combined with anti-arrhythmic agents by any route.
Anticonvulsants
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of carbamazepine. This may produce side effects such as diplopia, headache, ataxia or dizziness.
Phenytoin may decrease the plasma concentrations of verapamil.
Antidepressants
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of imipramine.
Antidiabetics
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of glibenclamide (glyburide). Co-administration of verapamil with metformin may reduce the efficacy of metformin.
Antihypertensives, diuretics, vasodilators
Potentiation of the hypotensive effect.
Anti-infectives
Rifampicin may reduce the plasma concentrations of verapamil which may produce a reduced blood pressure lowering effect. When verapermil and rifampicin are administrated together there is no change in PK. Erythromycin, clarithromycin and telithromycin may increase the plasma concentrations of verapamil.
Antineoplastics
There is no significant difference between the pharmacokinetic parameters of doxorubicin with intravenous verapamil administration.
Barbiturates
Phenobarbital may reduce the plasma concentrations of verapamil.
Benzodiazepines and other anxiolytics
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of buspirone and midazolam.
Beta blockers
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of metoprolol and propranolol which may lead to additive cardiovascular effects (e.g. AV block, bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure).
Verapamil Injection should not be given in combination with intravenous beta-blocker therapy and care must be exercised if Verapamil Injection is combined with oral beta-blocker therapy.
Cardiac glycosides
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of digitoxin and digoxin. Verapamil has been shown to increase the serum concentration of digoxin and caution should be exercised with regard to digitalis toxicity. The digitalis level should be determined and the glycoside dose reduced, if required.
Colchicine
Colchicine is a substrate for both CYP3A and the efflux transporter, P- glycoprotein (P-gp). Verapamil is known to inhibit CYP3A and P-gp. When verapamil and colchicine are administered together, inhibition of P-gp and/or CYP3A by verapamil may lead to increased exposure to colchicine. Combined use is not recommended.
H2 Receptor antagonists
Cimetidine may increase the plasma concentrations of verapamil following intravenous verapamil administration.
HIV antiviral agents
Due to the metabolic inhibitory potential of some of the HIV antiviral agents, such as ritonavir, plasma concentrations of verapamil may increase. Caution should be used or dose of verapamil may be decreased.
Immunosuppressants
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of ciclosporin, everolimus, sirolimus and tacrolimus. Concentration determinations and dose adjustments of everolimus and sirolimus may be necessary.
Inhaled anaesthetics
When used concomitantly, inhalation anaesthetics and calcium antagonists, such as verapamil hydrochloride, should each be titrated carefully to avoid additive cardiovascular effects (e.g. AV block, bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure).
Lipid lowering agents
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin.
Treatment with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin or lovastatin) in a patient taking verapamil should be started at the lowest possible dose and titrated upwards. If verapamil treatment is to be added to patients already taking an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin or lovastatin), consider a reduction in the statin dose and retitrate against serum cholesterol concentrations.
Atorvastatin has been shown to increase verapamil levels. Although there is no direct in vivo clinical evidence, there is strong potential for verapamil to significantly affect atorvastatin pharmacokinetics in a similar manner to simvastatin or lovastatin. Consider using caution when atorvastatin and verapamil are concomitantly administered.
Fluvastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin are not metabolized by CYP3A4 and are less likely to interact with verapamil.
Lithium
Serum levels of lithium may be reduced. However there may be increased sensitivity to lithium causing enhanced neurotoxicity. Patients receiving both drugs should be monitored carefully.
Neuromuscular blocking agents employed in anaesthesia
The effects may be potentiated.
Protein-bound drugs
As verapamil hydrochloride is highly bound to plasma proteins, it should be administered with caution to patients receiving other highly protein-bound drugs.
Serotonin receptor agonists
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of almotriptan.
Theophylline
Verapamil may increase the plasma concentrations of theophylline.
Uricosurics
Sulfinpyrazone may reduce the plasma concentrations of verapamil which may produce a reduced blood pressure lowering effect. When verapermil and sulfinpyrazone are administrated together there is no change in PK
Anticoagulants
Dabigatran ↑ dabigatran (Cmax up to 180%) and AUC (up to 150%). The Risk of bleeding may increase. The Dose of dabigatran with oral verapamil may need to be reduced. (See dabigatran label for dosing instructions).
Other direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
Increased absorption of DOACs since they are PDgp substrates and, if applicable, also reduced elimination of DOACs which are metabolized by Cyp3A4, may increase the systemic bioavailability of DOACs. Some data suggest a possible increase of the risk of bleeding, especially in patients with further risk factors. The dose of DOAC with verapamil may need to be reduced (see DOAC label for dosing instruction).
Other Cardiac therapy
Concomitant use with ivabradine is contraindicated due to the additional heart rate lowering effect of verapamil to ivabradine (see section 4.3).
Other
St. John's Wort may reduce the plasma concentrations of verapamil, whereas grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of verapamil.
There are no adequate and well-controlled study data in pregnant women. Although animal studies have not shown any teratogenic effects (see section 5.3), verapamil should not be given during the first trimester of pregnancy unless, in the clinician's judgement, it is essential for the welfare of the patient.
Verapamil hydrochloride is excreted in human breast milk. Limited human data from oral administration has shown that the infant relative dose of verapamil is low (0.1 – 1% of the mother's oral dose) and that verapamil use may be compatible with breastfeeding. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, verapamil should only be used during lactation if it is essential for the welfare of the mother.
None stated.
Adverse events observed in clinical trials are depicted in the following table. Within each system organ class, the adverse drug reactions are ranked under headings of frequency, using the following convention: common (≥1/100, <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000, <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000, <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), including isolated reports.
System Organ Class
Frequency
Undesirable Effects
Nervous system disorders
common
- dizziness
- headache
Cardiac disorders/vascular disorders
common
- bradycardia
- hypotension
uncommon
- tachycardia
Gastrointestinal disorders
uncommon
- nausea
- abdominal pain
Cases of seizures during verapamil hydrochloride injection have been reported.
In rare cases of hypersensitivity, bronchospasm accompanied by pruritis and urticaria has been reported.
Other Reactions from Postmarketing Surveillance or Phase IV Clinical Trials
Other adverse events reported with verapamil are listed below by system organ class:
Psychiatric disorders: on rare occasions, nervousness has been reported.
Nervous system disorders: somnolence and extrapyramidal syndrome.
Ear and labyrinth disorders: vertigo.
Cardiac disorders/vascular disorders: decreased myocardial contractility has been reported. On rare occasions, 2nd and 3rd block may occur and in extreme cases, this may lead to asystole. The asystole is usually of short duration and cardiac action returns spontaneously after a few seconds, usually in the form of sinus rhythm. If necessary, the procedures for the treatment of overdosage should be followed as described below. On rare occasions, flushing has been reported.
Gastrointestinal disorders: gingival hyperplasia may occur very rarely when the drug is administered over prolonged periods, and is fully reversible when the drug is discontinued. On rare occasions, vomiting has also been reported.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Steven-Johnson syndrome, erythema and hyperhidrosis.
Reproductive system and breast disorders: On very rare occasions, gynaecomastia has been observed in elderly male patients under long-term verapamil treatment; this was fully reversible in all cases when the drug was discontinued.
Investigations: A reversible impairment of liver function characterized by an increase of transaminase and/or alkaline phosphatase may occur on very rare occasions during verapamil treatment and is most probably a hypersensitivity reaction.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
The symptoms of overdosage include hypotension, shock, loss of consciousness, first and second degree AV block (frequently as Wenckebach's phenomenon with or without escape rhythms), total AV block with total AV dissociation, escape rhythm, asystole, bradycardia up to high degree AV block and, sinus arrest, hyperglycaemia, stupor and metabolic acidosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.. Fatalities have occurred as a result of overdose.
Treatment of overdosage depends on the type and severity of symptoms. The specific antidote is calcium, e.g. 10-20 ml of 10% calcium gluconate solution i.v. (2.25-4.5 mmol) if necessary by repeated injection or continuous infusion (e.g. 5 mmol/hour). The usual emergency measures for acute cardiovascular collapse should be applied and followed by intensive care. Verapamil hydrochloride cannot be removed by haemodialysis. Similarly, in the case of second or third degree AV block, atropine, orciprenaline, isoprenaline and if required, pacemaker therapy should be considered. If there are signs of myocardial insufficiency, dopamine, dobutamine, cardiac glycosides or calcium gluconate (10-20 ml of a 10% solution) can be administered.
In the case of hypotension, after appropriately positioning the patient, dopamine, dobutamine or noradrenaline may be given.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Verapamil 2.5 mg/ml Solution for injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
We use essential cookies to make the site work. We would also like to set optional cookies to understand how the site is used, so we can improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept. See our cookie policy and privacy policy.