What is "verapamil"

n. (context medicine English) A calcium blocker used to treat angina and heart failure

n. a drug (trade names Calan and Isoptin) used as an oral or parenteral calcium blocker in cases of hypertension or congestive heart failure or angina or migraine [syn: Calan, Isoptin]

Verapamil (sold under various trade names) is a calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, and most recently, cluster headaches. It is also an effective preventive medication for migraine. Verapamil has also been used as a vasodilator during cryopreservation of blood vessels.

Verapamil is of the phenylalkylamine class. It is a class-IV antiarrhythmic and more effective than digoxin in controlling ventricular rate.

It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 1982. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.