Healthy Inc > Blog > Verapamil SR tablets exporter Mumbai
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What are the main side effects of verapamil?

In the pharmaceutical industry, Verapamil is a versatile Phenylalkylamine Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB). As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view it as a unique agent that works more on the heart muscle (the myocardium) than on the blood vessels, distinguishing it from CCBs like Amlodipine.

At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, where you likely produce 40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg strengths (both Immediate and Sustained Release), understanding its “negative inotropic” and “dromotropic” effects is vital for building clinical authority on your B2B platforms.

The Most Common Side Effects

Verapamil’s side effects are primarily a direct result of its mechanism—slowing down “calcium-driven” processes in the body:

  • Constipation: The most frequent side effect, occurring in up to 25% of patients. It happens because Verapamil blocks calcium channels in the smooth muscles of the colon, slowing down bowel movements.

  • Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate): Because it targets the heart’s natural pacemakers (the SA and AV nodes), it can slow the pulse significantly.

  • Dizziness and Hypotension: A result of the drug effectively lowering blood pressure.

    Gingival Hyperplasia: A rare but notable swelling or overgrowth of the gums, common to several calcium channel blockers.

Mechanism: Selective Calcium Entry Blockade

Verapamil acts as a “gatekeeper” for calcium ions, preventing them from entering the cells that trigger muscle contraction.

Cardiac Suppression: By blocking L-type calcium channels in the myocardium, it reduces the force of heart contractions (negative inotropy) and slows down electrical conduction through the AV node.

Vasodilation: It relaxes the smooth muscles of the coronary and peripheral arteries, increasing oxygen delivery to the heart and lowering overall blood pressure.

Anti-Arrhythmic Action: It is a Class IV anti-arrhythmic, specifically used to control the heart rate in conditions like Atrial Fibrillation.

The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”

As you promote your firm on digital platforms, providing these safety nuances is essential:

  • The Heart Failure Rule: Verapamil should generally be avoided in patients with congestive heart failure (specifically with reduced ejection fraction) because its “weakening” effect on heart contractions can worsen the condition.

  • The “Grapefruit” Interaction: Like many CCBs, Verapamil is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme. Grapefruit juice inhibits this enzyme, leading to dangerously high levels of the drug in the blood.

  • Beta-Blocker Caution: Taking Verapamil alongside a Beta-blocker (like Atenolol) can lead to a dangerous “double-down” effect on the heart, potentially causing a complete heart block.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:

  • The “SR” (Sustained Release) USP: On your marketplace, highlight your Matrix-Technology SR tablets. Sustained-release formulations are preferred for hypertension because they provide 24-hour coverage with a single dose, reducing the “peak” side effects like dizziness.

  • Stability for Export: Verapamil is stable but requires protection from light and moisture. Utilizing Alu-Alu blister packaging is essential for maintaining a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions.

  • Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm’s registration in international cardiovascular health tenders and private hospital networks.

Verapamil Tablet

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Is there an extended-release of verapamil?

In the pharmaceutical industry, Verapamil Extended-Release is a specialized formulation of this Calcium Channel Blocker designed to maintain consistent plasma levels over a 24-hour period. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view the ER and SR (Sustained Release) versions as essential for improving patient adherence by reducing the dosing frequency from 3–4 times daily to just once or twice a day.

At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, where you likely produce 120 mg, 180 mg, and 240 mg strengths, these “Modified-Release” SKUs are high-value export items due to their complex delivery mechanisms.

Common Formulations & Brand Names

Verapamil is available in several extended-delivery formats, each with a unique release profile:

Formulation Type Global Brand Names Typical Strengths Dosing Frequency
Sustained-Release (SR) Tablet Isoptin SR, Calaptin SR 120mg, 180mg, 240mg Once or twice daily
Extended-Release (ER) Capsule Verelan 120mg, 180mg, 240mg, 360mg Once daily (morning)
Extended-Release (PM) Capsule Verelan PM 100mg, 200mg, 300mg Once daily (bedtime)
Controlled-Onset (COER) Tablet Covera-HS 180mg, 240mg Bedtime (to blunt morning BP peaks)

The “Modified Release” Mechanism

These formulations use advanced polymer matrix or osmotic systems to prevent the immediate release of the drug.

Steady State: They release the active ingredient gradually as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract, providing 24-hour blood pressure control.

Chronotherapy (PM/HS versions): Formulations like Verelan PM or Covera-HS are designed with a 4–5 hour delay. When taken at bedtime, they reach peak concentration in the early morning hours, which is when patients typically experience the highest risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Pellet-Filled Capsules: Some ER capsules contain hundreds of tiny coated pellets. If a patient has trouble swallowing, the capsule can be opened and the pellets sprinkled on applesauce—provided they are not chewed.The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”

As you develop your digital platforms, providing these technical nuances is essential for clinical authority:

  • The “Do Not Crush” Rule: Patients must never crush, chew, or split extended-release tablets (unless specifically scored for splitting, like some SR versions). Breaking the matrix leads to “dose dumping,” where 24 hours of medication is released at once, causing severe hypotension and bradycardia.

  • The “Ghost Tablet”: For OROS-style tablets (like Covera-HS), warn patients they may see an empty tablet shell in their stool. This is normal; the medication has already been absorbed through the shell’s microscopic pores.

  • Grapefruit Interaction: Like the immediate-release form, ER Verapamil interacts with grapefruit juice, which can significantly increase drug levels and lead to toxicity.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:

  • The “Bioequivalence” USP: On your marketplace, highlight your “Matrix-Technology” SR tablets. Buyers for cardiovascular portfolios look for bioequivalence to Isoptin SR to ensure stable transitions for hypertensive patients.

  • Stability for Export: Verapamil is stable but sensitive to moisture. Utilizing Alu-Alu blister packaging is mandatory to ensure a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions.

  • Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers for various ER/SR strengths to support your firm’s registration in international cardiology health tenders.

Verapamil Tablet

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