What is the brand name for Verapamil?
The brand name for Verapamil is Calan.
PTCB TOP 200 · #177
Verapamil
Calan
Verapamil is the generic name for the brand-name drug Calan. It is a calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine) used to treat afib, hypertension, angina. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Verapamil ranks #177 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Verapamil |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Calan |
| Drug class | Calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine) |
| Class group | Cardiovascular |
| Common use | afib, hypertension, angina |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Verapamil used for?
Treatment of hypertension, angina, and certain supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (formulation-specific).
What drug class is Verapamil?
Verapamil is a Calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine) in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Verapamil
- arrow_rightConstipation
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightLow blood pressure
- arrow_rightSlow heart rate
- arrow_rightSwelling (edema)
- arrow_rightFatigue
Major interactions
- arrow_rightBeta-blockers (additive bradycardia/heart block)
- arrow_rightDigoxin (increased digoxin levels; bradycardia risk)
- arrow_rightSimvastatin (verapamil increases levels; dose limits apply)
- arrow_rightCYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers can alter verapamil levels
- arrow_rightGrapefruit juice may increase verapamil levels
Is Verapamil a controlled substance?
No. Verapamil is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Verapamil (PTCE mnemonic)
CAL-an CALMs the heart — VERAPamil is non-DHP CCB (heart-selective). Slows AV node (afib rate control); CONSTIPATION classic; NO with β-blocker (heart block); ↑digoxin levels.
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PTCE exam tip
Verapamil is the most heart-selective CCB — rate control like diltiazem, with CONSTIPATION as its signature side effect; combining it with a beta blocker risks bradycardia.
Verapamil FAQ
What is Verapamil used for?
Verapamil is used to treat afib, hypertension, angina. Treatment of hypertension, angina, and certain supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (formulation-specific).
What drug class is Verapamil?
Verapamil is a Calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine) (Cardiovascular group).
Is Verapamil a controlled substance?
No. Verapamil is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Verapamil
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
How to read a prescriptionevery field on a prescription, decoded
Pharmacy math cheat sheetthe five calculation types the PTCE asksSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Verapamil the way the PTCE asks it
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Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).