Covera-HS (Verapamil) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Covera-HS

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) »

What are calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and how do they work?

Calcium channel blockers are drugs that block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and arteries.

The entry of calcium is critical for the conduction of the electrical signal that passes from muscle cell to muscle cell of the heart, and signals the cells to contract.
It also is necessary in order for the muscle cells to contract and thereby pump blood.
In the arteries, the entry of calcium into muscle cells causes contraction of the cells and thereby dilates (widens) the arteries.
Thus, by blocking the entry of calcium, calcium channel blockers reduce electrical conduction within the heart, decrease the force of contraction (work) of the muscle cells, and dilate arteries.
Dilation of the arteries reduces blood pressure and thereby the effort the heart must exert to pump blood.
Combined with decr...

Read the Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) article »

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Covera-HS

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COVERA-HS®
(verapamil hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets Controlled-Onset

DRUG DESCRIPTION

COVERA-HS (verapamil hydrochloride) is a calcium ion influx inhibitor (slow-channel blocker or calcium ion antagonist). COVERA-HS is available for oral administration as pale yellow, round, film-coated tablets containing 240 mg of verapamil hydrochloride and as lavender, round, film-coated tablets containing 180 mg of verapamil hydrochloride. Verapamil is administered as a racemic mixture of the R and S enantiomers. The structural formulae of the verapamil HCl enantiomers are:

COVERA-HS® (verapamil hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

C₂₇H₃₈N₂O₄• HCl M.W.= 491.07
Benzeneacetonitrile, (&plsmn;) -α-[3[[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)
ethyl] methylamino] propyl]- 3,4- dimethoxy-α-
(1-methylethyl) hydrochloride

Verapamil HCl is an almost white, crystalline powder, practically free of odor, with a bitter taste. It is soluble in water, chloroform, and methanol. Verapamil HCl is not chemically related to other cardioactive drugs.

Inactive ingredients are black ferric oxide, BHT, cellulose acetate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polysorbate 80, povidone, sodium chloride, titanium dioxide, and coloring agents: 240 mg—FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake and D&C Yellow No. 10 Lake; 180 mg—FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake and D&C Red No. 30 Lake.

System components and performance

The COVERA-HS formulation has been designed to initiate the release of verapamil 4–5 hours after ingestion. This delay is introduced by a layer between the active drug core and outer semipermeable membrane. As water from the gastrointestinal tract enters the tablet, this delay coating is solubilized and released. As tablet hydration continues, the osmotic layer expands and pushes against the drug layer, releasing drug through precision laser-drilled orifices in the outer membrane at a constant rate. This controlled rate of drug delivery in the gastrointestinal lumen is independent of posture, pH, gastrointestinal motility, and fed or fasting conditions.

The biologically inert components of the delivery system remain intact during GI transit and are eliminated in the feces as an insoluble shell.

What are the possible side effects of verapamil?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast or slow heartbeats;
feeling like you might pass out;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain; or
nausea, stomach pain,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Covera-HS »

What are the precautions when taking verapamil (Covera-HS)?

Before taking verapamil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, sick sinus syndrome unless you have a pacemaker, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure, certain muscle/nerve...

Read All Potential Precautions of Covera-HS »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/9/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.