Verapamil

verapamil mechanism of action

Lowers blood pressure by blocking calcium channels - results in vasodilation **Treats hypertension, cardiac dysrhythmias, and angina pectoris

verapamil adverse effects

-Reflux tachycardia -Increased anginal pain in clients w/ angina -headache -lightheadedness and dizziness -facial flushing -peripheral edema -arrhythmias -gingival hyperplasia

A nurse is preparing to administer verapamil by IV bolus to a client who is having cardiac dysrhythmias. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor when giving this medication?

Hypotension Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, can be used to control supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. It also decreases blood pressure and acts as a coronary vasodilator and antianginal agent. A major adverse effect of verapamil is hypotension; therefore, blood pressure and pulse must be monitored before and during parenteral administration.

verapamil drug classification

calcium channel blocker

verapamil contraindications

children people w/ systolic blood pressure under 90 mm Hg

verapamil food/drug interactions

do NOT use verapamil w/ GRAPEFRUIT, St John's wort, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin...

What adverse effect should the nurse monitor for when giving a verapamil IV bolus to a patient that is having cardiac dysrhythmias?

hypotension