Have you ever felt uncomfortable when your heart rate suddenly accelerated or did not beat in a regular manner? Perhaps someone close to you, your mother or father, has been hospitalized because of this. In such cases, a special injection called `Verapamil` is used by doctors to restore the heart rate to normal. Since this is a medicine given in an emergency, it is normal to feel a little scared and curious about it. So today, we will talk about this `Verapamil` injection very simply, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is Verapamil?
Simply put, `Verapamil` is a medicine that is used to control a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It belongs to a class of drugs called `calcium channel blockers`.
Think of your heart as a pump that works constantly. Sometimes this pump starts working too fast. Or it stops working in a rhythm. The `Verapamil` injection controls the entry of calcium into the heart cells. This slows down the heart rate and reduces the workload on the heart. In other words, it calms down the overactive pump and allows it to work normally again.
The important thing is that this is not given as a pill, but as an injection into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this medicine
Before you are given Verapamil, your doctor will need to know your complete medical history . This is because some conditions require special care when using this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Illness or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | If you already have heart disease, heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, a very fast heartbeat, or low blood pressure. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have liver or kidney disease, a brain tumor, or a muscle-weakening disease such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. |
| Allergies | If you have previously had an allergy to verapamil or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How do you use this medicine?
As I said before, this is not a medicine you can take home.
- This is an injection that is given into a vein under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or clinic .
- This medicine can be given to newborn babies in some special cases, but it should be done with great caution and under special medical supervision.
- Overdose: This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, you should immediately inform the medical staff. Usually, in such cases, you should immediately go to an ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) or, if necessary, call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with Verapamil (Interactions)
Certain medications, foods, and herbs can affect the way Verapamil works when taken together, so it's important to be aware of this.
| Never take Verapamil with these | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Disopyramide |
| Dofetilide | Pimozide |
| Grapefruit juice (like grapefruit) | Hawthorn (a type of plant) |
| Red yeast rice | |
| Interactions may also occur with these (be careful) |
|---|
|
This list may not include everything, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements .
What should you expect when taking the medicine?
While you are being given this medicine, the medical staff will constantly monitor your condition, especially your heart rate and blood pressure .
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Dizziness: Don't get up suddenly from a standing position or from a sitting position in bed. This is especially important if you are elderly. Changing positions frequently can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, Verapamil can cause side effects. Some are minor, but others should be reported immediately.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor/nurse immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, and feeling unusually tired. |
| Slow heartbeat | Severe dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, feeling unusually tired. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Constipation, dizziness, headache, nausea. |
Take-Home Message
- Verapamil is a special injection given into a vein in a hospital to control a fast or irregular heartbeat.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- This medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so be careful.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the limbs, or severe dizziness, notify the medical staff immediately.
- This is a medication given under specialist supervision, so don't be afraid. Your medical team will take good care of you.
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