Verapamil
Trade names: Ikacore,
Calan, , Covera, Isoptin, and Verelan
Class: Calcium-channel blockers " anti-arrhythmic "
Pregnancy:
(Category C) Action:
Verapamil relaxes (widens) blood
vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for the heart to pump and
reduces its workload.
Uses:
P.O:
§ angina pectoris.
§ arrhythmia (a trial fibrillation, and flutter).
§ Essential hypertension.
IV: Supraventricular tachycardia.
Dose:
by mouth, supraventricular arrhythmias 40–120
mg 3 times daily
Angina, 80–120 mg 3 times daily
Hypertension, 240–480 mg daily in 2–3 divided
doses By slow intravenous injection over
2 minutes (3 minutes in elderly), 5–10 mg (preferably with ECG monitoring); in
paroxysmal tachyarrhythmia a further 5 mg after 5–10 minutes if required Contraindications:
hypotension, cardiac shock, and
MI.
Side effects:
AV block, bradycardia, headache,
dizziness, abdominal cramps, blurring of vision, and edema.
Nursing
considerations:
Discuss with the patient/family the goals of
therapy.
Teach them how to take pulse and blood
pressure. Hold the medication in case of hypotension or bradycardia and consult
the treating Dr.
Instruct the client to report any untoward
sings as dizziness. In case of postural hypotension, advise the
client to change position. Advise client to sit down immediately if
fainting occurs.
Calcium antagonists should be taken with meals
to GI irritation.
