Doses - VERAPAMIL HCL

Dogs:

a) Intravenous: If normal myocardial function: 1 mg/kg IV; If myocardial function impaired: 0.05 - 0.1 mg/kg IV to effect; maximum of 0.3 mg/kg within 20 minutes.
Oral: If normal myocardial function: up to 5 - 10 mg/kg 3 times daily; If myocardialfunction diminished: 0.1 - 0.2 mg/kg 3 times daily to start, titrate to effect (Murtaughand Ross 1988)
b) 0.05 - 0.15 mg/kg IV slowly over 5 minutes, followed by IV infusion of 2 - 10 micrograms/kg/min or by repeated slow injections in 30 minutes (Novotney and Adams1986)
c) Intravenous: 0.05 - 0.15 mg/kg IV bolus, followed by IV infusion of 2 - 10 micrograms/kg/minute.
Oral: 10 - 15 mg/kg divided bid - tid PO (Moses 1988)
d) For conversion of rapid supraventricular tachycardia (especially pre-excitation type): 1.1 - 4.4 mg/kg PO q8-12h; 0.11 - 0.33 mg/kg IV slowly. (Ettinger 1989)
Monitoring Parameters -

1) ECG

2) Symptoms of toxicity (see Adverse Reactions)

3) Blood pressure if possible, during acute IV therapy
Client Information - To be effective, the animal must receive all doses as prescribed. If animalbecomes lethargic or becomes exercise intolerant, begins wheezing, has shortness of breath orcough, or develops a change in behavior or attitude, notify veterinarian.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Verapamil HCl Tablets 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg; Calan® (Searle), Isoptin® (Knoll), Generic. (Rx)
Verapamil HCl Tablets Sustained-Release Tablets and Capsules: 120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg &360 mg; Calan® SR Caplets (Searle; Isoptin® SR (Knoll); Covera-HS® (Searle); Verelan®(Lederle); generic; (Rx)
Verapamil HCl for Injection 5 mg/2 ml in 2, 4, & 5 ml vials; 2 & 4 ml amps & disposable syringes; Isoptin® (Knoll), Generic (Rx)