Verapamil
A rate-limiting calcium channel blocker. Never with IV beta-blockers, in heart failure or in pre-excited AF.
On this page
Dose
| Route | Dose |
|---|---|
| IV (SVT, if adenosine unsuitable) | 2.5–5 mg over 2 minutes, repeat 5 mg after 5–10 minutes if needed |
| Oral | 40–120 mg 3 times daily |
Cautions
- Avoid with beta-blockers, in heart failure, low BP, pre-excited AF, broad complex tachycardia.
- Constipation.
Frequently asked questions
Can verapamil be given with a beta-blocker?
Not IV, because of the risk of severe bradycardia, heart block and asystole.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Verapamil is covered in our textbook chapter Antiarrhythmic and antianginal drugs, with practice MCQs.