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Prescription medicine

Verapamil First approved as Isoptin

Verapamil (Isoptin) is a prescription medicine with an FDA approval on record since 1981. FDA's NDC Directory lists it from 43 generic labelers, and pharmacies paid $0.191 per verapamil ER 180 mg tablet in the October 7, 2026 NADAC survey.

  • Generic listed
  • A presentation discontinued

Check it at the source: the verapamil FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 6, 2026, Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc.); the NDA 18485 record on Drugs@FDA; every verapamil label on DailyMed.

Highlights of the record

FDA label of April 6, 2026; NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA and Orange Book, October 8, 2026; NADAC October 7, 2026

Used for

From the label: indications and usage

Verapamil hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure.

Forms and strengths

  • 40 mg
  • 80 mg
  • 100 mg
  • 120 mg
  • 180 mg
  • 200 mg
  • 240 mg
  • 300 mg
  • 360 mg
  • 2.5 mg/ml
  • 5 mg/2ml
  • 10 mg/4ml

Tablet; injection (solution); film-coated extended-release tablet; injection; extended-release capsule.

On the market

Earliest approval on file
August 12, 1981 Isoptin, Mt Adams; Drugs@FDA’s file, where older or withdrawn approvals can be missing
Generic approvals
62 first November 12, 1985; 25 with a marketed status in Drugs@FDA
Labelers listed (NDC)
45 of which 43 under generic applications, 3 under brand applications, repackagers included

Supply and safety

Pharmacy cost (NADAC)
$0.191 per tablet Verapamil ER 180 mg tablet
Shortage (FDA)
None current 1 past records
Recalls by its makers (FDA)
7 since 2012 0 Class I among all firms' recalls; latest July 2, 2024; 6 more by firms not listed as its makers
FAERS reports
4,242 through July 30, 2026

What is verapamil used for?

From the label: indications and usage

Verapamil hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes including this drug. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. […]

Conditions named in the indications of verapamil's FDA labels, with every medicine labeled for each:

From other verapamil labels

High blood pressure: INDICATIONS AND USAGE Verapamil hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure.

Atrial fibrillation: Temporary control of rapid ventricular rate in atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation except when the atrial flutter and/or atrial fibrillation are associated with accessory bypass tracts (Wolff-Parkinson-White (W-P-W) and …

Angina: Angina at rest including: - Vasospastic (Prinzmetal's variant) angina - Unstable (crescendo, pre-infarction) angina 2.

FDA pharmacologic class: Calcium Channel Blocker.

Source: FDA drug label (Verapamil hydrochloride), Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc., effective April 6, 2026 (SPL set e19ab8d8-dae5-489d-9805-7e7407bea06d), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed

Is there a generic for verapamil (Isoptin)?

The FDA approved the first generic verapamil on November 12, 1985. 62 generic applications are approved; 25 of them carry a current (not discontinued) marketing status in Drugs@FDA; that status is not evidence that the generic is on sale.

FDA's NDC Directory lists verapamil from 43 labelers under a generic (ANDA) application and from 3 brand labelers. A listing means the company has registered the product for sale; it does not show that every pharmacy stocks it.

  • 1981 earliest approval on file
  • 1985 first generic approved
  • red ticks recalls

Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory and the Orange Book (openFDA bulk files, October 8, 2026)

What do pharmacies pay for verapamil (Isoptin)?

In CMS's NADAC survey of October 7, 2026, pharmacies paid $0.191 per Verapamil ER 180 mg tablet, up 7% from $0.178 on October 8, 2025. Prices per unit in the table differ many-fold by strength, form and brand, so compare like with like. The chart's scale runs from the lowest to the highest price shown, not from zero. NADAC is what retail pharmacies paid their wholesalers, per unit, in CMS's monthly survey; what a patient pays depends on insurance and the pharmacy.

  • Verapamil ER 240 mg tablet (generic)
$0.179
$0.146
January 2024October 2026
NADAC per unit, October 7, 2026
Strength and formBrand or genericPharmacy cost30 tablets, or one pen or vial12-month change
Verapamil 120 mg tabletGeneric$0.0887 per tablet$2.66+12%
Verapamil 40 mg tabletGeneric$0.113 per tablet$3.38-13%
Verapamil 80 mg tabletGeneric$0.0732 per tablet$2.20+6%
Verapamil ER 120 mg capsuleGeneric$2.75 per capsule many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why$82.48+169%
Verapamil ER 120 mg tabletGeneric$0.178 per tablet$5.33-22%
Verapamil ER 180 mg capsuleGeneric$2.09 per capsule many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why$62.60+60%
Verapamil ER 180 mg tabletGeneric$0.191 per tablet$5.73+7%
Verapamil ER 240 mg capsuleGeneric$3.15 per capsule many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why$94.43+125%
Verapamil ER 240 mg tabletGeneric$0.176 per tablet$5.28+9%
Verapamil ER pm 100 mg capsuleGeneric$4.08 per capsule many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why$122.49-8%
Verapamil ER pm 200 mg capsuleGeneric$5.64 per capsule many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why$169.06+21%
Verapamil ER pm 300 mg capsuleGeneric$7.92 per capsule many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why$237.61+4%
Verapamil SR 120 mg capsuleGeneric$2.75 per capsule many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why$82.48+169%
Verapamil SR 180 mg capsuleGeneric$2.09 per capsule many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why$62.60+60%

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price

Is verapamil in shortage?

No verapamil presentation is listed as in shortage in the FDA Drug Shortage Database (read October 8, 2026); its 1 record is all marked to be discontinued, the latest updated November 21, 2025. ASHP keeps a separate shortage list, which can differ.

PresentationCompanyStatusUpdated
Verapamil Hydrochloride, Injection, 2.5 mg/1 mL (NDC 0409-9633-05)Pfizer Inc.To Be DiscontinuedNovember 21, 2025

Every verapamil presentation in the FDA shortage database

Source: FDA Drug Shortage Database via openFDA, updated October 8, 2026

Has verapamil been recalled?

The FDA's Enforcement Report lists 13 recalls naming verapamil since 2012: 0 Class I (the most serious), 10 Class II, 3 Class III; 2 still ongoing. 6 of them are by firms that FDA's NDC Directory does not list as a maker of verapamil and that hold no application for it in Drugs@FDA, such as compounding pharmacies or bulk-ingredient suppliers; the recall notice names the product recalled. A recall names products and lots, not every product of the medicine.

StartedClassCompanyReason
July 2, 2024Class IIIZydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) IncCross contamination with other products.
March 16, 2023Class IIAmerisource Health Services LLCFailed Dissolution Specifications: Out of specification dissolution results above specified values.
January 27, 2023Class IIAmerisource Health Services LLCFailed Dissolution Specification: Out of specification dissolution results at time point zero. The OOS was above specified values.
April 13, 2022Class IIMckesson Medical-Surgical Inc. Corporate OfficecGMP deviations: Temperature abuse
March 15, 2021Class IICardinal Health Inc.CGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage.
October 19, 2015Class IIWestern Drug not a listed makerLack of Assurance of Sterility
July 21, 2015Class IIIApotex Inc.Failed Dissolution Specification: One lot of product did not meet the first stage dissolution specification limits.
July 2, 2013Class IIAidapak Services, LLC not a listed makerLabeling:Label Mixup; VERAPAMIL HCL ER, Tablet, 240 mg may be potentially mislabeled as TRIFLUOPERAZINE HCL, Tablet, 1 mg, NDC 00781103001, Pedigree …

Source: FDA Enforcement Report (drug recalls) via openFDA, through October 8, 2026

What does the verapamil label say about other medicines?

The verapamil label names 32 other medicines in its interaction, contraindication or warning sections. The labels of 47 other medicines name verapamil. The sentences are the labels' own; a label lists what its studies and reports found, not every interaction.

Medicine namedSectionWhat the label says
Aspirindrug interactionsIn a few reported cases, coadministration of verapamil with aspirin has led to increased bleeding times greater than observed with aspirin alone.
Atenololdrug interactionsA variable effect has been seen when verapamil and atenolol were given together.
Atorvastatindrug interactionsLower starting and maintenance doses of other CYP3A4 substrates (e.g., atorvastatin) may be required as verapamil may increase the plasma concentration of these drugs.
Carbamazepinedrug interactionsCarbamazepine: Verapamil therapy may increase carbamazepine concentrations during combined therapy.
Cimetidinedrug interactionsThe interaction between cimetidine and chronically administered verapamil has not been studied.
Cisplatindrug interactionsThe absorption of verapamil can be reduced by the cyclophosphamide, oncovin, procarbazine, prednisone (COPP) and the vindesine, adriamycin, cisplatin (VAC) cytotoxic drug regimens.
Clonidinedrug interactionsSinus bradycardia resulting in hospitalization and pacemaker insertion has been reported in association with the use of clonidine concurrently with verapamil.
Cyclophosphamidedrug interactionsThe absorption of verapamil can be reduced by the cyclophosphamide, oncovin, procarbazine, prednisone (COPP) and the vindesine, adriamycin, cisplatin (VAC) cytotoxic drug regimens.
Cyclosporinedrug interactionsVerapamil therapy may increase serum levels of cyclosporine.
Digoxindrug interactionsClinical use of verapamil in digitalized patients has shown the combination to be well tolerated if digoxin doses are properly adjusted.
Disopyramidedrug interactionsAntiarrhythmic agents: Disopyramide: Until data on possible interactions between verapamil and disopyramide phosphate are obtained, disopyramide should not be administered within 48 hours before or 24 hours after verapamil administration.
Erythromycindrug interactionsClinically significant interactions have been reported with inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin, ritonavir) causing elevation of plasma levels of verapamil while inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g., rifampin) have caused a lowering of plasma levels of verapamil.
Everolimusdrug interactionsCo-administration of verapamil with everolimus in 16 healthy volunteers increased the C max and AUC of everolimus by 130% and 250%, respectively.
Flecainidedrug interactionsA study in healthy volunteers showed that the concomitant administration of flecainide and verapamil may have additive effects on myocardial contractility, AV conduction, and repolarization.

Every other medicine the verapamil label names

Medicine namedSectionWhat the label says
Ivabradinedrug interactionsConcurrent use of verapamil increases exposure to ivabradine and may exacerbate bradycardia and conduction disturbances. Avoid co-administration of verapamil and ivabradine.
Lithiumdrug interactionsIncreased sensitivity to the effects of lithium (neurotoxicity) has been reported during concomitant verapamil-lithium therapy; …
Lovastatindrug interactionsLimit the daily dose of lovastatin to 40 mg.
Metoprololdrug interactionsA decrease in metoprolol and propranolol clearance has been observed when either drug is administered concomitantly with verapamil.
Paclitaxeldrug interactionsConcomitant administration of R verapamil can decrease the clearance of paclitaxel.
Phenobarbitaldrug interactionsPhenobarbital: Phenobarbital therapy may increase verapamil clearance.
Prazosindrug interactionsSuch an effect was observed in one study following the concomitant administration of verapamil and prazosin.
Prednisonedrug interactionsThe absorption of verapamil can be reduced by the cyclophosphamide, oncovin, procarbazine, prednisone (COPP) and the vindesine, adriamycin, cisplatin (VAC) cytotoxic drug regimens.
Procarbazinedrug interactionsThe absorption of verapamil can be reduced by the cyclophosphamide, oncovin, procarbazine, prednisone (COPP) and the vindesine, adriamycin, cisplatin (VAC) cytotoxic drug regimens.
Propranololdrug interactionsA decrease in metoprolol and propranolol clearance has been observed when either drug is administered concomitantly with verapamil.
Quinidinedrug interactionsIn a small number of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (IHSS), concomitant use of verapamil and quinidine resulted in significant hypotension.
Rifampindrug interactions… elevation of plasma levels of verapamil while inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g., rifampin) have caused a lowering of plasma levels of verapamil.
Ritonavirdrug interactionsClinically significant interactions have been reported with inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin, ritonavir) causing elevation of plasma levels of verapamil while inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g. …
Simvastatindrug interactionsCo-administration of multiple doses of 10 mg of verapamil with 80 mg simvastatin resulted in exposure to simvastatin 2.5-fold that following simvastatin alone.
Sirolimusdrug interactionsMammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors: In a study of 25 healthy volunteers with co-administration of verapamil with sirolimus, whole blood sirolimus C max and AUC were increased 130% and …
Temsirolimusdrug interactionsWith concomitant use of mTOR inhibitors (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus, and everolimus) and verapamil, consider appropriate dose reductions of both medications.
Theophyllinedrug interactionsTheophylline: Verapamil may inhibit the clearance and increase the plasma levels of theophylline.
Timololdrug interactionsAsymptomatic bradycardia (36 beats/min) with a wandering atrial pacemaker has been observed in a patient receiving concomitant timolol (a beta-adrenergic blocker) eyedrops and oral verapamil.

Other labels that name verapamil

Check verapamil against other medicines

Source: FDA drug label (Verapamil hydrochloride), Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc., effective April 6, 2026 (SPL set e19ab8d8-dae5-489d-9805-7e7407bea06d), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed

What do FAERS reports show for verapamil?

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System holds 4,242 reports that list verapamil among the medicines taken, through July 30, 2026, each a report of something that happened, not proof the medicine caused it; 948 are coded as a death and 1,922 as a hospital stay. Counts follow how widely a medicine is used and watched, and they are not a measure of how risky it is.

Reports received each year

The most reported reactions

  • Dyspnoea (named in the label)353
  • Nausea (named in the label)348
  • Drug Interaction (a use or a product term, not a reaction)315
  • Dizziness (named in the label)289
  • Hypotension (named in the label)287
  • Fatigue (named in the label)273
  • Diarrhoea (named in the label)269
  • Vomiting244

Side effects: the label's list and every FAERS reaction

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA, reports through July 30, 2026

What else is labeled for the same conditions as verapamil?

72 other medicines are given the same way (oral) and in the same FDA class as verapamil or labeled mainly for the same use (high blood pressure), the same class first. High blood pressure lists all 88 medicines labeled for it, by any route. The first 8 are below. They are listed as records, not as substitutes: whether one can replace another is a prescriber's decision.

MedicineShared indicationGeneric labelers (oral)Pharmacy costShortage
DiltiazemHigh blood pressure, Atrial fibrillation, Angina42 labelers$0.144 per capsule 24h ER(cd) 120 mg capsuleA presentation being discontinued
AmlodipineHigh blood pressure, Angina42 labelers$0.0102 per tablet 5 mg tabletNo current entry
Amlodipine and benazeprilHigh blood pressure16 labelers$0.114 per unit 10-20 mgNo current entry
Amlodipine and atorvastatinHigh blood pressure, Angina6 labelers$1.34 per unit 10-40 mgNo current entry
Amlodipine and olmesartanHigh blood pressure14 labelers$0.248 per unit 10-20 mgNo current entry
Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartanHigh blood pressure8 labelers$0.776 per unit 20-5-12.5No current entry
Amlodipine and valsartanHigh blood pressure9 labelers$0.330 per unit 10-160 mgNo current entry
Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide and valsartanHigh blood pressure5 labelers$6.09 per tablet 10-160-25 mg tabletNo current entry

Every medicine labeled for the same conditions as verapamil

Source: FDA drug labels (indications), NDC Directory, NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages (October 8, 2026)

How does verapamil compare with medicines for the same use?

14 side-by-side pages set verapamil beside a medicine whose label shares a use: approvals, generics, pharmacy cost, warnings and supply.

What next?

Alternatives to verapamil
72 medicines for the same use
Other calcium channel blockers
the pharmacologic class, with prices and generics
Verapamil side effects
the label's list beside FAERS reports
Verapamil shortage record
every presentation, company and date
Check an interaction
what two or more labels say about each other