NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Verapamil

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Verapamil is a phenylalkylamine-type non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with the strongest negative inotropic and chronotropic effects among CCBs. It is used for hypertension, angina, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, and migraine prophylaxis.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2011–2026
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Verapamil is a phenylalkylamine-type non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with the strongest negative inotropic and chronotropic effects among CCBs. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 120–480 mg daily in divided doses (IR) or once daily (SR/ER) (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Effective rate control in supraventricular tachyarrhythmias4
  • Blood pressure reduction1
  • Angina relief
  • Migraine prophylaxis
  • Cluster headache prophylaxis
What to watch for
  • Constipation (very common, up to 40%)
  • Bradycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Severe left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure
  • Severe sinus bradycardia or sick sinus syndrome without pacemaker

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: effective rate control in supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, blood pressure reduction, angina relief. 10 sources indexed (2011–2026), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Inhibits L-type calcium channels, with preferential binding to cardiac tissue compared to vascular smooth muscle. Strongly slows SA and AV nodal conduction, reduces heart rate, decreases contractility, and causes moderate vasodilation. Terminates reentrant SVTs by blocking AV nodal conduction. Also used for cluster headache and migraine prophylaxis.1,5

Class
Non-Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
120–480 mg daily in divided doses (IR) or once daily (SR/ER) (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablet (immediate-release or sustained-release) or IV for acute SVT

Take with food to reduce GI side effects; sustained-release formulations should not be crushed

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Constipation (very common, up to 40%)
  • Bradycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Peripheral edema
  • Heart failure exacerbation
  • AV block

Contraindications

  • Severe left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure
  • Severe sinus bradycardia or sick sinus syndrome without pacemaker
  • Second- or third-degree AV block without pacemaker5,7
  • Atrial fibrillation/flutter with accessory bypass tract (WPW)
  • Concurrent IV beta-blocker use5,7
  • Ventricular tachycardia
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

4

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Verapamil, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Verapamil?

Verapamil is a phenylalkylamine-type non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with the strongest negative inotropic and chronotropic effects among CCBs. It is used for hypertension, angina, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, and migraine prophylaxis.

What is Verapamil used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Verapamil include: Effective rate control in supraventricular tachyarrhythmias; Blood pressure reduction; Angina relief; Migraine prophylaxis; Cluster headache prophylaxis. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Verapamil?

A typical adult dose of Verapamil is 120–480 mg daily in divided doses (IR) or once daily (SR/ER) (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet (immediate-release or sustained-release) or IV for acute SVT. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Verapamil?

Reported side effects include constipation (very common, up to 40%), bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, headache, peripheral edema. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Verapamil?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Verapamil in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.