Isoptin (Verapamil)

Do’s

• Take Isoptin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually 3-4 times daily with or without food.
• Take your medication consistently, at the same times each day. This helps regulate the medication in your body.
• Continue taking Isoptin even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
• For chest pain prevention, take Isoptin regularly as prescribed. It won't treat sudden chest pain attacks.
• Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping Isoptin. Abruptly stopping can worsen your condition.

Don'ts

• Don't adjust your dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't take Isoptin to treat sudden chest pain attacks. Use other medications your healthcare provider prescribes for those.
• Don't stop taking Isoptin abruptly. Your healthcare provider may need to gradually decrease your dose.
• Don't hesitate to tell your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens.

Common Side Effects:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Headache
• Dizziness

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe dizziness
• Fainting
• New or worsening symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain
• Very slow heartbeat
• Blue lips and fingernails
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• Difficulty breathing
• Liver damage symptoms, such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Serious cardiovascular effects, including myocardial infarction or stroke, which may occur without warning symptoms
• Serious infections in the penis or vagina, presenting with symptoms such as burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling of the genital or rectal area
• Signs of a urinary tract infection
• Signs of kidney problems
• Signs of high potassium levels in the blood
• Serious allergic reactions, including red or bluish skin, slowed breathing, trouble moving or walking, inability to move, and enlarged pupils

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Isoptin,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any allergies, especially to verapamil or any inactive ingredients.

Medical Conditions to Disclose to your healthcare provider:

• Certain heart rhythm problems (refer to the package insert for specific details)
• Heart failure
• Muscle/nerve disorders (muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis)
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Isoptin may cause dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until you feel safe. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness.

Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you take (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal) before surgery.

Older adults may experience more side effects such as constipation or ankle/foot swelling.

Isoptin should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Isoptin passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.