Vertab SR 240

How does it work?

Verapamil hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers, which act on the heart and blood vessels. Verapamil slows the movement of calcium through cells, which has two results. Firstly, it decreases the rate at which the heart beats. As a result, the heart uses less energy and the pain of angina is prevented or relieved. Secondly, it has a mild widening effect on blood vessels and therefore reduces blood pressure.

What is it used for?

Angina pectoris

High blood pressure

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Warning!

Unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise, you should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it may affect the level of this medicine in your blood.

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Verapamil should not be used with beta blockers without close medical supervision.

Use with caution in

Children

Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)

Heart attack

Liver disease

Not to be used in

A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)

Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)

Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock)

Heart failure

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Slow heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute (bradycardia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine may inhibit labour. However, the risk to the foetus should be balanced against the risk of the mother's uncontrolled high blood pressure. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The medicine passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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