Verelan

Verelan is a drug commonly used to lower high blood pressure by causing the blood vessels to relax. The medication comes in the form of a capsule that is typically taken once a day in the morning. The capsules are specially designed to slowly release the medicine over time. Possible side effects include constipation, headaches, and dizziness.

Verelan Medication Information

What Is Verelan?

Verelan^® (verapamil hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The capsules are specially designed to slowly release the medicine over time.

(Click Verelan Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Verelan is made by Schwarz Pharma. Generic versions are made by several manufacturers.

How Does This Medication Work?

Verelan is part of a class of drugs called

calcium channel blockers. It 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 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 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. Because of this, the drug is useful for treating certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

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