What is the brand name for Verapamil?
The brand name for Verapamil is Calan.
PTCE 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.
lightbulb
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).
Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group
Drill Verapamil the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Last reviewed June 25, 2026. 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).