Side Effects of verapamil: A Synthesis of Findings from 19 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension. Long-term treatment with verapamil does not appear to have any adverse metabolic effects. 1 . In a prospective, open study of 45 patients (mean age fifty-three years) with essential hypertension, patients were treated with verapamil for four to eight years (mean 5.3 years). Blood pressure was satisfactorily controlled (from 160/104 to 145/91) and side effects were infrequent, mild, and often transient. Verapamil did not exert any unfavorable metabolic or hematologic effects over the years. HDL-cholesterol was moderately increased (mean 24%) and the other plasma lipids were unaffected. These data suggest that the calcium channel blocker verapamil is a metabolically safe drug to use as monotherapy in essential hypertension.

Verapamil can also inhibit the cardiovascular side effects of ritodrine, a drug used to treat preterm labor. 4 . The side effects of beta-sympathomimetic drugs are of primary interest in the treatment of preterm labor. The incidence of side effects is dose-dependent, as is the efficacy of the beta-agonist in uterine relaxation. The effect of verapamil (Ca2+ inhibitor with antiarrhythmic action) on ritodrine does not modify the value of ritodrine in prolonging pregnancy, but clearly diminishes the incidence of maternal tachycardia and hypotension. The authors suggest that in the treatment of preterm labor with ritodrine infusion above 200 micrograms/min, the addition of verapamil (dosage, 80-120 micrograms/min) is useful because it substantially reduces the cardiovascular side effects associated with ritodrine hydrochloride.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of verapamil are thought to be due to its calcium channel blocking action. Calcium channels play important roles in various tissues such as the heart and blood vessels. By inhibiting these channels, verapamil may affect physiological functions such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Common Side Effects

Tachycardia

Verapamil can slow down the heart rate by inhibiting calcium channels in the heart. However, in rare cases, it can cause a rapid heart rate (tachycardia). 4 . This may occur because verapamil slows down the heart rate and interacts with other drugs.

Hypotension

Verapamil can dilate blood vessels by inhibiting calcium channels in the blood vessels. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. 4 . Verapamil can also lower blood pressure due to interactions with other drugs.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Verapamil can cause gastrointestinal side effects. 2 . The most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting may also occur.

Headache

Verapamil can cause headaches. 2 . This may occur because verapamil dilates blood vessels.

Dizziness

Verapamil can cause dizziness. 2 . This may occur because verapamil lowers blood pressure.

Edema

Verapamil can cause edema. 12 . This may occur because verapamil dilates blood vessels.

Photosensitivity

Verapamil may cause photosensitivity. 10 . This is thought to be because verapamil makes skin cells sensitive to ultraviolet light.

Bradycardia

Verapamil can slow down the heart rate. 3 . In rare cases, it can cause a very slow heart rate (bradycardia).

Hypotension

Verapamil can lower blood pressure. 3 . In rare cases, it can cause a very low blood pressure (hypotension).

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Tachycardia

If you experience tachycardia due to verapamil, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of verapamil or prescribe other medications.

Hypotension

If you experience hypotension due to verapamil, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of verapamil or prescribe other medications.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

If you experience gastrointestinal symptoms due to verapamil, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of verapamil or prescribe other medications. Improving your diet and exercising are also effective.

Headache

If you experience headaches due to verapamil, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of verapamil or prescribe other medications. Taking headache medication is also effective.

Dizziness

If you experience dizziness due to verapamil, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of verapamil or prescribe other medications. Also, get up slowly when you stand up.

Edema

If you experience edema due to verapamil, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of verapamil or prescribe other medications. Elevating your legs and resting are also effective.

Photosensitivity

If you experience photosensitivity due to verapamil, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of verapamil or prescribe other medications. Applying sunscreen and avoiding sunlight are also effective.

Bradycardia

If you experience bradycardia due to verapamil, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of verapamil or prescribe other medications.

Hypotension

If you experience hypotension due to verapamil, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of verapamil or prescribe other medications.

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities among Studies

These studies all share the common goal of evaluating the efficacy and side effects of verapamil. They also demonstrate that verapamil is effective in treating conditions such as hypertension and preterm labor.

Differences among Studies

These studies differ in their target diseases and research methods. For example, 1 is a long-term study involving patients with hypertension, while 4 is an evaluation of the combined effect of verapamil on the side effects of ritodrine, a drug used to treat preterm labor.

Cautions in Applying Research to Real Life

Verapamil can cause a variety of side effects. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take it as prescribed. If you experience any abnormalities while taking verapamil, consult your doctor immediately.

Limitations of Current Research

All of these studies are relatively small and larger studies are needed. Furthermore, these studies were conducted on specific populations and it is unclear whether they can be applied to other populations.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to better understand the side effects of verapamil. In particular, research on the side effects of long-term use of verapamil and interactions with other drugs is important.

Conclusion

Verapamil is an effective drug for treating conditions such as hypertension and preterm labor, but it can also cause a variety of side effects. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take it as prescribed. If you experience any abnormalities while taking verapamil, consult your doctor immediately.

Literature analysis of 19 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
2
Article Type
2
1
1
3
17
2.

Verapamil SR and propranolol LA: a comparison of efficacy and side effects in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.

Author: BochslerJ A, SimmonsR L, WardP J, ChesterP C, LathamA N

Effective for hypertension
Fewer drug withdrawals
Well tolerated
Side effects

Sustained release verapamil and long acting propranolol were of similar efficacy in treating mild to moderate hypertension, but verapamil SR was associated with significantly fewer drug-related withdrawals.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Side effects of verapamil in infants.

Author: RadfordD

None reported
Bradycardia
Hypotension

Intravenous verapamil should be avoided in neonates and young infants with supraventricular tachycardia. It may cause life-threatening bradycardia and hypotension.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

[Treatment of premature labour and antagonization of the side effects of tocolytic therapy with verapamil (author's transl)].

Author: GummerusM

Increases birth weight
Prolongs pregnancy

Fenoterol, with or without Verapamil, was found to be effective in prolonging pregnancy in cases of threatened premature birth. The study aimed to determine if Verapamil could counteract the side effects of Fenoterol.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : German

8.

Current treatment options for cluster headache: limitations and the unmet need for better and specific treatments-a consensus article.

Author: LundNunu Laura Timotheussen, PetersenAnja Sofie, FronczekRolf, Tfelt-HansenJacob, BelinAndrea Carmine, MeisingsetTore, TronvikErling, SteinbergAnna, GaulCharly, JensenRigmor Højland

Cluster headache treatment
Side effects

This study discusses the current challenges in treating cluster headache and the unmet need for safe and tolerable preventive medication. The study highlights the lack of evidence-based guidelines for preventive treatment and emphasizes the need for further research to develop more effective and well-tolerated treatment options.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

9.

Management of cluster headache: Treatments and their mechanisms.

Author: PengKuan-Po, BurishMark J

Cluster headache management
Improved quality of life
Cluster headache
Side effects

This article provides an overview of the management of cluster headache, including both acute and preventive treatment options. The article highlights the increasing use of neuromodulation techniques, both invasive and non-invasive, for cluster headache treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

A Rare Case of Diltiazem-Induced Photosensitivity.

Author: PerozoMaria A, EscañoLorena, ThompsonRachel, CedenoHarold

Diltiazem photosensitivity

This case report describes a rare occurrence of diltiazem-induced photosensitivity in an 87-year-old female patient. The patient developed a localized rash on sun-exposed skin, which resolved upon discontinuing diltiazem and switching to verapamil. The case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing photosensitivity as a potential adverse effect of medications, especially calcium channel blockers.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

11.

Bayesian Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Efficacy of Antiarrhythmics in the Pharmacological Cardioversion of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation.

Author: OrsoDaniele, SantangeloSara, GuglielmoNicola, BoveTiziana, CilentiFrancesco, CristianiLorenzo, CopettiRoberto

Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation

This meta-analysis aims to identify the most effective antiarrhythmic agent for cardioverting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes. AF is a major arrhythmia with significant public health impact, and the guidelines emphasize the importance of cardioversion for paroxysmal AF.

Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

12.

Author: SkovbjergBirgit K, HelgestadOle Kl, OxlundChristina S, ChristensenBo, HenriksenJakob N

Pedal edema management
Amlodipine side effects

This review provides an overview of management strategies for pedal edema, a common side effect of amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker. The review prioritizes strategies to minimize side effects, including reducing dosage, switching to alternative calcium channel blockers, adding ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II-receptor blockers, and administering the drug at night.

ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Danish

15.

Clinical evaluation of nebulized verapamil in out-patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Author: FahimiFanak, PourdowlatGuitti, BehzadniaNeda, MostofiSahar Sadigh, ForoughAida Sefidani, PartoOmid, EsmaeiliAyda

Improved COPD-PH
Systemic side effects

This study aims to assess the therapeutic effects of inhaled verapamil in outpatients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to COPD. It explores an alternative approach to manage COPD-induced PH, minimizing systemic side effects.

Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

16.

Anti-cancer effects of human placenta-derived amniotic epithelial stem cells loaded with paclitaxel on cancer cells.

Author: BabajaniAmirhesam, Manzari-TavakoliAsma, JamshidiElham, TarasiRoghayeh, NiknejadHassan

Cancer treatment

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) can be primed with paclitaxel to deliver the drug effectively and enhance its anticancer effects. This approach holds promise for synergistic cancer treatment by combining hAECs' inherent anticancer properties with paclitaxel's cytotoxic effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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