Name of Drug Classification and
(Dosage, Route, Mechanism of Action
Frequency, Timing)
Generic Name: Classification:
Verapamil Therapeutic: antianginals,
antiarrhythmics
(class IV),
Brand Name:
antihypertensives,
vascular
Dosage: 50meq/50ml headache suppressants
Pharmacologic: calcium
channel blockers
Route: IVTT
Mechanism of Action:
Frequency: Now Inhibits the transport of
calcium into myocardial and
vascular smooth muscle
cells, resulting in
inhibition of excitation-
contraction coupling and
subsequent contraction.
Decreases SA andAV
conduction and prolongs
AV node refractory period
in conduction tissue.
Therapeutic Effects:
Systemic vasodilation
resulting in decreased blood
pressure. Coronary
vasodilation resulting in
decreased frequency and
severity of attacks of
angina. Suppression of
ventricular
tachyarrhythmias.
Indication and Side Effects or Adverse
Contraindication
Indication:
Management of hypertension,
angina pectoris, and/or
vasospastic (Prinzmetal’s)
angina. Management of
supraventricular arrhythmias
andrapid ventricular rates in
atrial flutter or fibrillation.
Contraindication:
Hypersensitivity; Sick
sinus syndrome; 2nd- or 3rd-
degree AV block (unless an
artificial pacemaker is in
place); BP
<90mmHg; CHF, severe
ventricular dysfunction, or
cardiogenic shock, unless
associated with
supraventricular
tachyarrhythmias; Concurrent
IV beta blocker therapy.
Nursing Responsibilities
Reactions
CNS: abnormal dreams,
anxiety, confusion,
dizziness/lightheadedness,
drowsiness, headache,
Resp: cough, dyspnea,
shortness of breath.
GI: abnormal liver
function studies anorexia,
constipation, diarrhea, dry
GU: dysuria, nocturia,
polyuria, sexual dysfunc
tion, urinary frequency.
Derm: dermatitis,ery
thema multiforme,
flushing, increased
sweating
Observe the 10 rights of
medication.
● Monitor blood pressure
and pulse before therapy,
during dosage titration, and
periodically throughout
therapy. Monitor ECG
periodically during
prolonged therapy.
Verapamil may cause
prolonged PR interval.
● Monitor intake and output
ratios and daily weight.
Assess for signs of CHF
(peripheral edema,
rales/crackles, dyspnea,
weight gain, jugular venous
distention)
● Monitor renal and hepatic
functions periodically during
long-term therapy. May
cause increase hepatic
enzymes after several days
of therapy, which return to
normal on discontinuation of
therapy.