Verelan

Verelan is a prescription medication that is 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. Verelan capsules are specially designed to slowly release the medication over time. Possible side effects of Verelan include constipation, headaches, and dizziness.

 

What Is Verelan?

Verelan® (verapamil hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Verelan capsules are specially designed to slowly release the medication over time.
 
(Click Verelan Uses for more information on what Verelan is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Verelan?

Verelan is made by Schwarz Pharma. Generic Verelan is made by various manufacturers.
 

How Does Verelan Work?

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 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. Because of this, Verelan is useful for treating certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;