Verapamiil

Verapamiil appears to be a misspelling of verapamil, a well-established medication in the calcium channel blocker class. There is no widely recognized drug by the exact name verapamiil in standard pharmacology references. The following describes verapamil, which is commonly used for cardiovascular conditions.

Verapamil is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that inhibits L-type calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle. By reducing intracellular calcium, it decreases myocardial contractility and slows conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. Clinically, this can lower blood pressure and heart rate and help control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation or flutter. It is also used in the treatment of certain forms of angina and some supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Verapamil can be administered orally (including sustained-release formulations) or intravenously in acute settings. It has moderate to variable oral bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism and is largely metabolized by the liver, mainly via cytochrome P450 3A4, with metabolites excreted in urine and feces. The onset and duration of effect depend on the formulation.

Adverse effects commonly include constipation (particularly with sustained-release forms), bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, and headaches. Other possible effects are edema and gingival hyperplasia. Because verapamil slows AV nodal conduction and can depress cardiac contractility, it may interact with beta-blockers, digoxin, and certain statins, increasing the risk of bradycardia or heart block. It is contraindicated in certain conduction disorders, significant hypotension, and some forms of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; caution is advised in pregnancy.

Brand names for verapamil include Isoptin, Calan, and Verelan. Dose and formulation are chosen based on the condition being treated and patient factors.