Verapamil hydrochloride

Verapamil Hydrochloride

Verapamil hydrochloride (pronunciation: vuh-RAP-uh-mil HYE-droe-KLOR-ide) is a medication used in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain types of arrhythmia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.

Etymology

The term "Verapamil" is derived from the components of its chemical structure: Veratrum (a genus of flowering plants) + amine (a basic organic compound) + -il (a common suffix for medications). The term "hydrochloride" refers to the hydrochloride salt form of the drug, which enhances its solubility and bioavailability.

Pharmacology

Verapamil hydrochloride works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into cardiac muscle and smooth muscle cells, which results in the relaxation of these muscles and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). This reduces the workload on the heart and lowers blood pressure.

Related Terms

• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Hypertension
• Angina Pectoris
• Arrhythmia
• Pharmacology
• Cardiac Muscle
• Smooth Muscle

See Also

• List of Calcium Channel Blockers
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Hypertension Treatment
• Angina Pectoris Management
• Arrhythmia Management

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Verapamil hydrochloride
• Wikipedia's article - Verapamil hydrochloride

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