What medication can replace verapamil?
Common formulations of verapamil include tablets, capsules, and injectable solutions. Generally, verapamil can be replaced by medications such as nifedipine tablets, amlodipine tablets, nimodipine tablets, diltiazem hydrochloride tablets, or flunarizine hydrochloride tablets. Medication use should follow medical advice, and if adverse reactions occur after taking these drugs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Specific details are as follows:
1. Nifedipine Tablets
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker similar to verapamil. However, this drug primarily acts on vascular smooth muscle, reducing peripheral resistance, and is used to treat hypertension and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.
2. Amlodipine Tablets
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that selectively inhibits calcium ion influx into smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation and blood pressure reduction. It is commonly used clinically for the treatment of hypertension.
3. Nimodipine Tablets
Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker that mainly works by inhibiting calcium ion influx, thereby preventing vasoconstriction, promoting vasodilation, and lowering blood pressure. It is also used in treating subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebrovascular diseases.
4. Diltiazem Hydrochloride Tablets
Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker similar to verapamil. It is used to treat cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, arrhythmias, and coronary heart disease. Compared with verapamil, diltiazem has a weaker inhibitory effect on the heart.
5. Flunarizine Hydrochloride Tablets
This is another dihydropyridine-class calcium channel blocker commonly used for treating hypertension. Like other calcium channel blockers, it lowers blood pressure by reducing peripheral vascular resistance.
If no adverse physical reactions occur during verapamil use, switching antihypertensive medications is not recommended. If a switch is necessary, it should be done under proper guidance from a physician.
