Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

In addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet .

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well .

Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease .

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it. It is best to take this medicine with food .

If you cannot swallow the verapamil extended-release capsules, you may open it and sprinkle the pellets contained in the capsule on one tablespoon of applesauce. This mixture must be swallowed immediately with a glass of cool water. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. Do not chew or crush the pellets .

If you are taking the extended-release tablets, you may sometimes notice what looks like a tablet in your stool. This is the empty tablet shell that is left after the medicine has been absorbed .

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For chest pain:
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—The usual dose is 80 to 120 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets, 24 hr):
      • Adults—At first, 180 milligrams (mg) once daily at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
  • For heart rhythm problems:
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—The total usual dose is 240 to 480 milligrams (mg) divided in three or four equal doses per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
  • For high blood pressure:
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 80 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
      • Adults—At first, 200 milligrams (mg) once daily at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 180 milligrams (mg) once daily in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets, 24 hr):
      • Adults—At first, 180 milligrams (mg) once daily at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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