New Strength of Verapamil Tablets Launched

Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc has launched verapamil 40 mg immediate-release tablets for the treatment of angina, arrhythmias, and essential hypertension.

Verapamil is the generic equivalent to the calcium channel blocker Calan.

Already, Heritage offers the tablets in 80 mg and 120 mg strength.

The medicine can be taken alone or with other medications to reduce the risk of irregular heartbeat, according to the US National Library of Medicine.

Verapamil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the body. In turn, the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood. Furthermore, the medication can boost the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Adverse effects include constipation, heartburn, dizziness, and headache.

However, some more severe adverse effects have been noted, including fainting, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, and nausea. These symptoms should be immediately reported to a medical professional.

While verapamil is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and angina, it may be given to patients for other types of cardiovascular conditions.

For the fiscal year ending in October 2015, the US market for verapamil was approximately $1.9 million, according to IMS Health.