Varapamil |
Presentation |
• 5mg in 2ml amp | ||||||||||||
Pharmacology |
• A calcium ion antagonist and antiarrhythmic agent | ||||||||||||
Actions |
• Increases the refractory period of the A.V. Node • Dilates coronary arteries • Decreases myocardial contractility • Reduces peripheral resistance • The effects of 3 and 4 may lead to a fall in blood pressure |
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Metabolism |
• By the liver and excreted by the kidneys | ||||||||||||
Primary Emergency Indications |
• Supraventricular tachycardia with adequate or borderline perfusion, but symptomatic, i.e. rate related chest pain and/or shortness of breath with crackles present, which has not responded to abdominal valsalva manoeuvre. Adult | ||||||||||||
Contraindications |
• Hypotension • Pts on Beta-blocking drugs |
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Precautions |
• Partial A.V. block • Left ventricular failure • Concurrent chest pain of a cardiac nature |
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Route of Administration |
• IV | ||||||||||||
Side Effects |
• Hypotension • Left ventricular failure • Bradycardia (uncommon) • Ventricular fbrillation (uncommon) • Asystole (uncommon) |
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Special Notes |
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Therapeutic Effect |
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| Reference | Dilutions Verapamin IV |