Generic Name:

Verapamil

Trade Name:

Calan, Isoptin

Action

Calcium Channel Blocker

Indications:

Supraventricular tachycardia

Control of ventricular rate during atrial flutter or fibrillation

Angina unresponsive to other medications

Hypertension

Administration Guidelines:

Usual Dosage Range and Route:

Loading dose : 2.5 mg to 10 mg ivp no greater than 5 mg / 5 min

*Loading dose is usually given prior to starting maintenance

Maintenance : 5 - 20 mg / hr as titrated to patient response. After a stable dose has been determined RN may administer intermittent IVP maintenance doses

Standard Concentrations:

100 mg / 100 ml

MICROINFUSION: 100 mg / 50 ml

EW Standard

100 mg / 100 ml

Special Considerations:

- May potentiate the action of other antihypertensives and antiarrhythmic agents

- Dosage adjustment may be required in renal and hepatic insufficiency

- Can increase serum concentrations of digoxin and quinidine

-Calcium Chloride IV can be adninistered prior to Verapamil IV to avoid possible hypotensive effects

Precautions and Side Effects:

- Hypotension

- Bradycardia, AV block

- Exacerbation of CHF, pulmonary edema

- Decreased Urine Output