Isoptin (Verapamil) from Maple Leaf Medications.

What is Isoptin used for? 

Isoptin (generic name: verapamil hydrochloride) is an oral medication indicated to manage essential hypertension. This is the type of hypertension with no identifiable cause. By lowering high blood pressure, kidney problems, strokes, and heart attacks can be prevented. In addition to treating angina pectoris (chest pain) and controlling heart rate, this drug is also used to treat irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation.

This is available in Isoptin 120 mg and 80 mg tablet forms. 

How does Isoptin work? 

This calcium channel blocker works by decreasing the systemic vascular resistance but often without an orthostatic decrease in blood pressure (BP) or reflex tachycardia. It also works by dilating the main coronary arteries, as well as the coronary arterioles. It also inhibits coronary artery spasm. This results in increased myocardial oxygen delivery. This drug also has the capacity to regularly reduce cardiac afterload or the total systemic resistance against the heart. 

How to use Isoptin 

To start, read the Isoptin guide or information leaflet that comes with this product. Do not take any oral prescription without fully understanding all drug information and warnings/precautions printed in the manual. If you have inquiries regarding the indications of this drug or need further medical advice, you may ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

Take the tablet orally. This is usually prescribed three or four times daily and can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. It is not recommended to crush, chew, or divide the tablets.

Remember to take this drug as directed on a regular basis. Keep a schedule for your dosing to avoid missing doses. Do not alter your dosage and frequency as it is based on your medical condition and overall response to therapy. Further, do not stop taking this prescription drug abruptly or even for a short while to avoid worsening conditions. 

Side Effects of Isoptin 

Common side effects: 

-Nausea 

-Headache 

-Dizziness 

-Lightheadedness 

-Tiredness 

-Slow heartbeat 

-Constipation 

-Flushing 

For the most part, the side effects caused by this medication are mild and will resolve even without intervention. If the adverse reactions do not get better or become worse over time, you should hold this oral drug for a while and call your doctor or any healthcare professional. In addition, you must report severe side effects, such as: 

-Fainting 

-Severe dizziness 

-Very slow heartbeat 

-Symptoms of heart failure (shortness of breath, severe tiredness, swelling of the extremities, sudden weight gain) 

-Symptoms of liver damage (persistent nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowish eyes, and skin) 

This is not a complete or full list of Isoptin side effects.

Precautions

Before starting to use this drug, you should disclose your entire medical history to your physician. This includes any history of heart failure, heart rhythm problems, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, kidney disease, and liver problems. This is because some diseases or conditions may significantly impact how your body will respond to the medication. Moreover, you should discuss all the prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are taking because of the potential drug interactions with this antihypertensive.

When taking this treatment, be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction. Do not take this calcium ion influx inhibitor if you have a known allergy to verapamil or any inactive ingredients each tablet may contain. Immediately discontinue medication and alert for local medical emergency help once you notice signs of severe hypersensitivities, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face and neck, severe/persistent dizziness, skin rashes, and itching. 

This type of drug causes dizziness and lightheadedness. These adverse effects may be aggravated by drinking alcohol. As much as possible, avoid alcohol consumption. You should also practice caution when driving, operating machinery, and doing activities that require alertness.

It is unknown whether this drug could cause harm to unborn babies. However, this drug is known to pass into the breastmilk. Pregnant and breastfeeding moms should take this drug only if clearly necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Isoptin an antiarrhythmic drug? 

Yes, verapamil is an antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic agent. 

Can Isoptin cause bradycardia? 

Yes, this type of drug may cause bradycardia or slow heart rate. 

Does Isoptin cause erectile dysfunction (ED)? 

This medication rarely causes ED.

What are the other forms of Isoptin? 

Isoptin (verapamil) also comes in sustained-release tablets (Isoptin SR) and intravenous injections. 

How much does Isoptin cost? 

We provide the most competitive pricing on this medication. This page’s top portion provides more details.