Verelan Uses

Verelan is primarily used for controlling high blood pressure in adults. Although Verelan is not a cure for this condition, it can decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure), which can occur with long-term high blood pressure. Possible "off-label" Verelan uses can include treating migraine headaches, mania due to bipolar disorder, and certain types of irregular heart rhythms.

 

Verelan Uses: An Overview

Verelan® (verapamil hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
 
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Based on clinical studies, Verelan has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, Verelan can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure, which can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, Verelan is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 

How Verelan Works

Verelan is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. Verelan helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into the heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and helps to lower blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
 
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Verelan is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate. As a result, Verelan is useful for treating certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
 
(Verelan Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;