Zolvera

What is it?

An antiarrhythmic, antianginal, antihypertensive preparation and class I calcium antagonist, available as an oral solution containing 40mg of verapamil hydrochloride per 5ml.

Medical Uses

Supraventricular tachycardias, angina, high blood pressure.

Dosage

Adults, tachycardias, 40 to 120mg 3 times each day; angina, 80 to 120mg 3 times each day; high blood pressure, 120mg twice each day to start, then increasing to 160mg twice each day, if needed. The maximum daily dose is 480mg. Children, tachycardias only, aged over 2 years, 40 to 120mg, 2 to 3 times each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, 1st degree AV heart block, slow heartbeat, atrial fibrillation/flutter with an accessory pathway, impaired liver or kidney function. Poor heart reserve should be controlled with diuretics and digitalis.

Avoid Use

Severe slow heartbeat, heart shock, low blood pressure, failure of left ventricle, sino-atrial block, 2nd or 3rd degree AV heartblock, acute heart attackuncompensated heart failure, low blood pressure less than 90 mmHG systolic, sick sinus syndrome.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Rifampicin, antiarrhythmics, phenobarbitone, antihypertensives, theophylline, cimetidine, muscle relaxants, β-blockers, carbamazepine, digoxin, inhaled anaesthetics, alcohol, grapefruit juice.

Known Side Effects

Constipation. In rare cases, gastrointestinal upset, slowed heart rate, overgrowth of gum tissues, headaches, 2nd or 3rd degree AV heart block, impairment of liver function which is reversible, allergic responses, swelling of ankles, low blood pressure, fatigue, decreased contractility of heart muscle.