What Verapamil Tablets ?
Verapamil tablets are a type of medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. Verapamil is the active ingredient in these tablets
Verapamil Tablets Use
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Verapamil helps lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily.
- Angina Pectoris: This is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Verapamil can help dilate (widen) the coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Verapamil is used to treat certain types of rapid heart rhythms that originate above the heart’s ventricles. It can help slow down the heart rate and regulate the heart’s electrical activity.
- Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter: Verapamil can be used to manage irregular heart rhythms in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart).
- Migraine Headaches: In some cases, verapamil may be prescribed to prevent certain types of migraines.
- Cluster Headaches: Verapamil may also be used to prevent cluster headaches in some individuals.
- Other Heart Conditions: Verapamil can be used in other situations where a healthcare provider deems it appropriate, based on the specific needs and conditions of the patient.
Verapamil Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action:
- Calcium Channel Blocking: Verapamil works by blocking calcium channels in certain cells of the heart and blood vessels. These channels are responsible for allowing calcium ions to enter cells, which is crucial for muscle contraction, including the contraction of the heart muscle.
- Effects on the Heart:
- In cardiac muscle cells, verapamil reduces the influx of calcium ions during the “plateau” phase of the action potential, leading to decreased contractility (inotropy) of the heart. This results in a decreased force of contraction and a slowing of the heart rate.
- It also inhibits the electrical conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, which helps in slowing down the heart’s electrical activity.
- Effects on Blood Vessels:
- Verapamil can relax smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels, leading to vasodilation. This widens the arteries, reducing peripheral resistance and ultimately lowering blood pressure.
Verapamil Tablets – Side-effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: This may occur, especially when standing up quickly. It’s important to get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
- Headache: Some people may experience headaches, particularly when they first start taking verapamil.
- Constipation: Verapamil can slow down the movement of the digestive tract, leading to constipation.
- Nausea or upset stomach: Some individuals may experience mild stomach discomfort.
- Fatigue or tiredness: This can occur, especially at the beginning of treatment or when dosage adjustments are made.
- Edema (swelling): Verapamil can lead to fluid retention, resulting in swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs.
- Low blood pressure: In some cases, verapamil can cause blood pressure to drop too low, leading to symptoms like dizziness or fainting.
