Anpec (new formulation) (Verapamil Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Anpec (new formulation) Used For?
Anpec contains verapamil hydrochloride, a calcium channel blocker that works by opening up blood vessels to allow more blood and oxygen to reach the heart while lowering high blood pressure.
Primary Uses
Anpec is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain), and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
How It Works
Anpec belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers. They work by opening up blood vessels, which lets more blood and oxygen reach the heart and at the same time lowers high blood pressure. It does not change the amount of calcium in your blood or bones, and calcium in your diet or supplements will not interfere with how Anpec works.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Anpec is addictive.
How to Take Anpec (new formulation)
Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you need to take each day and when to take them, depending on your condition and other medicines you may be taking.
Dosage Instructions
Anpec tablets are usually taken two or three times a day. Treatment is usually long term – keep taking Anpec for as long as your doctor recommends. Anpec can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water – do not break them.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you miss more than one dose or are unsure what to do, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- constipation
- feeling sick
- upset stomach
- dizziness
- light-headedness
- headache
- flushing
- tiredness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- chest pain
- fainting
- collapse
- slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
- shortness of breath with swelling of feet and legs due to fluid buildup
- severe blisters
- skin rash
- itching or flaking skin
- fever
- upper stomach pain
- feeling generally unwell
- swollen eyes and mouth
- muscle weakness
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Anpec should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Anpec (new formulation)
Do not use Anpec if you are allergic to verapamil hydrochloride or any ingredients; have certain heart conditions (heart failure, very slow heart rate, heart conduction problems, some irregular heartbeats, or heart muscle disease); have low blood pressure (hypotension); are taking medicines containing ivabradine or certain blood thinners like dabigatran; or if the packaging is torn or tampered with.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have or have had any other heart problems, blood vessel disease or stroke, liver or kidney problems, or neuromuscular conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Anpec may affect your baby if taken during pregnancy and passes into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits with you.
Drug Interactions
Many medicines can interfere with Anpec and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Do not take Anpec with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as this may increase blood levels of verapamil.
- Beta-blockers (atenolol, propranolol, metoprolol)
- Ivabradine
- Digoxin
- Heart rhythm medicines (quinidine, flecainide, amiodarone, disopyramide)
- Blood pressure medicines (especially prazosin or terazosin)
- Cholesterol medicines (statins like atorvastatin or simvastatin)
- Blood thinners (dabigatran, aspirin)
- Gout medicines (colchicine, sulfinpyrazone)
- Depression/psychiatric medicines (St John’s Wort, imipramine, buspirone, midazolam, lithium)
- Seizure medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital)
- Transplant rejection medicines (cyclosporin, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus)
- Antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, rifampicin)
- HIV medicines (ritonavir)
- General anesthetics and muscle relaxants
- Theophylline (asthma medicine)
- Doxorubicin (cancer medicine)
- Cimetidine (stomach ulcer medicine)
- Diabetes medicines (metformin, glibenclamide)
- Almotriptan
Alcohol & Driving
Anpec can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol, so special precautions are needed.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol while using Anpec. If you drink alcohol while taking Anpec, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse than usual.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Anpec affects you. Anpec may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or tiredness in some people. If this occurs, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous. Dizziness or fainting may occur especially when getting up quickly – getting up slowly may help.
Storage
Store Anpec below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Keep tablets in the pack until it’s time to take them. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where children cannot reach them.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Anpec, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Overdose symptoms may include slow heartbeat, chest pain, feeling very faint, or collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Anpec can be taken with or without food according to your preference.
No, there is no evidence that Anpec is addictive.
Do not stop using Anpec or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor first. Sudden discontinuation should be avoided.
You should avoid alcohol while using Anpec. If you drink alcohol while taking Anpec, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse than usual.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
No, Anpec tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. They are not meant to be broken.
Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of verapamil, so you should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Anpec.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.