Isoptin Side Effects

Generic name: verapamil

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 27, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Isoptin Side Effects associated with verapamil. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Isoptin.

Applies to verapamil: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution

Common side effects of Isoptin

Some side effects of verapamil may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• headache

Less common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• difficulty in moving
• heartburn
• indigestion
• joint pain
• muscle aching or cramping
• muscle pains or stiffness
• nausea
• rash
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• trouble sleeping
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
• swollen joints

Serious side effects of Isoptin

Along with its needed effects, verapamil (the active ingredient contained in Isoptin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking verapamil:

Less common side effects

• blue lips and fingernails
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chest pain
• confusion
• coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• difficult, fast, noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• increased sweating
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• pale skin
• shortness of breath
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sore throat
• sweating
• swelling in legs and ankles
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare side effects

• chills
• cold sweats
• feeling of warmth
• redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

For healthcare professionals

Applies to verapamil: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects include constipation, dizziness, and headache.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 12.1%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, lethargy
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Seizures
• Frequency not reported: Rotary nystagmus, sleepiness, vertigo, lightheadedness, tingling, numbness, neuropathy
• Postmarketing reports: Syncope, cerebrovascular accident, equilibrium disorders, parkinsonism/extrapyramidal symptoms/syndrome, paresthesia, shakiness/tremor, paralysis/tetraparesis, somnolence^[Ref]

Seizures occurred rarely with IV administration.

Paralysis/tetraparesis was reported in a patient taking this drug and colchicine concurrently.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Symptomatic hypotension/hypotension/abrupt blood pressure fall, sinus bradycardia/bradycardia (heart rate less than 50 beats/minute), severe tachycardia, ankle edema/edema, development/aggravation of congestive heart failure (CHF), atrioventricular (AV) block, peripheral edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Second-/third-degree AV block, palpitations, orthostasis
• Postmarketing reports: Angina pectoris/chest pain, AV dissociation, ECG abnormal, claudication, hypertension, myocardial infarction, sinus arrest with asystole, decreased myocardial contractility, cardiogenic shock, bradyarrhythmia in atrial fibrillation, vasculitis, erythromelalgia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular side effects may occur with greater intensity at higher doses or in patients with a history of myocardial damage.

Approximately 15% of patients who had atrial flutter/fibrillation and received this drug and digoxin developed resting ventricular rates below 50 beats/min; in the same trial, asymptomatic hypotension occurred in approximately 5% of patients.

Asystole occurred after second/third degree AV block and was usually short in duration, with spontaneous cardiac action returning within seconds in the form of a sinus rhythm.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal discomfort/pain
• Frequency not reported: Non-obstructive paralytic ileus/ileus, bloating
• Postmarketing reports: Dry mouth, gastrointestinal stress, gingival hyperplasia, vomiting^[Ref]

Non-obstructive paralytic ileus was reversible when treatment was stopped.

Gingival hyperplasia occurred when this drug was given over a prolonged period of time, and was reversible once the drug was discontinued.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary edema, pharyngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, dyspnea
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Broncho/laryngeal spasm^[Ref]

Bronchospasm and laryngeal spasm occurred during hypersensitivity reactions.^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, tiredness/malaise, accidental injury, pain
• Frequency not reported: Infection, flu syndrome
• Postmarketing reports: Tinnitus, asthenia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Scalp irritation, rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Itching, urticaria, flushing, exanthema
• Frequency not reported: Diaphoresis, photodermatitis
• Postmarketing reports: Ecchymosis, bruising, alopecia/hair loss, hyperkeratosis, macules, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hyperhidrosis/sweating, erythema multiforme, Quincke's edema/angioneurotic edema^[Ref]

Itch and urticaria occurred in hypersensitivity reactions.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Sleep disturbance
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bad dreams, depression/emotional depression
• Postmarketing reports: Confusion, psychotic symptoms, insomnia, nervousness^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia
• Frequency not reported: Muscle fatigue
• Postmarketing reports: Muscle cramps, arthralgia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Elevated liver enzymes (transaminases, alkaline phosphatase)^[Ref]

Reversible elevations liver enzymes occurred during treatment, and are likely the result of a hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., allergic hepatitis).^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypersensitivity/allergic reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Allergy aggravated^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Lowered glucose tolerance
• Postmarketing reports: Hyperkalemia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Postmarketing reports: Galactorrhea, increased blood prolactin/hyperprolactinemia, increased urination, spotty menstruation, erectile dysfunction/impotence^[Ref]

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: Renal failure^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Gynecomastia^[Ref]

Gynecomastia occurred in older male patients on prolonged treatment, and was reversible upon discontinuation of this drug.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Purpura^[Ref]

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision^[Ref]

Further information

Isoptin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer