Verapamil
- Class: Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
- Used for: arrhythmia
- Say it: ver-AP-uh-mil
- Forms: tablet, capsule, injection
Remember the name – VER → veer
VERAPAMIL VEERS the racing rhythm back down to a walk — and leaves the bowel standing still.
It is the most cardiac-selective of the calcium channel blockers, so rate control is its strength. Constipation is its signature complaint, and it is severe enough that patients stop the drug over it.
VERAPAMIL VEERS the racing rhythm back down to a walk — and leaves the bowel standing still.
It is the most cardiac-selective of the calcium channel blockers, so rate control is its strength. Constipation is its signature complaint, and it is severe enough that patients stop the drug over it.
Mnemonic: VERapamil is VERy constipating
It is the most heart-selective of the calcium blockers. Gut muscle needs calcium too, which is why constipation is its signature complaint.
It is the most heart-selective of the calcium blockers. Gut muscle needs calcium too, which is why constipation is its signature complaint.
Side effects
Common: constipation, dizziness, ankle swelling
Serious: heart block, worse heart failure
Typical dose
40–120 mg three times daily
Immediate-release is three times daily; the modified-release form is once. Halve the dose in liver impairment.
Check yourself
Which calcium channel blocker most commonly causes constipation?
- Verapamil
- Amlodipine
- Nifedipine
- They are all equally likely to
Show answer
A. Verapamil
Smooth muscle in the gut relies on calcium entry just as the heart does. Verapamil affects it most, and in older patients the constipation is often severe enough to stop the drug.
See it, don't memorize it
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