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Sustained‐Release Verapamil Formulations for Treating Hypertension
Author(s) -
Frishman William H.,
Lazar Eliot J.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
the journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.92
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1552-4604
pISSN - 0091-2700
DOI - 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1992.tb03862.x
Subject(s) - verapamil , medicine , pharmacology , cardiology , intensive care medicine , calcium
Verapamil, the first calcium‐channel blocker to be introduced for clinical use, is a major drug used for the treatment of systemic hypertension. During the past 10 years, the use of verapamil for hypertension has produced a considerable clinical database to support the efficacy and safety of the agent in many patients. Because of its short half‐life, verapamil was originally administered 3 to 4 times daily. During the past decade, a sustained‐release formulation of verapamil has been marketed in the US. This product allows for once‐daily dosing up to 240 mg/d; however, when higher doses are needed, this sustained‐release formulation should be administered twice daily. In addition, the medicine should be taken with food to avoid the high peak blood levels of verapamil, which appears to be related to the delivery system. A new pellet‐filled capsule formulation of verapamil (Verelan, Lederle, Wayne, NJ and Wyeth‐Ayerst, Philadelphia, PA) is available and provides controlled absorption, 24‐hour blood pressure control, improved peak‐to‐trough plasma levels, and once‐daily dosing regardless of dosage size. Prolonged‐release verapamil can be taken without food.