What is a common side effect of verapamil?

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Multiple Choice

What is a common side effect of verapamil?

Explanation:
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that slows conduction through the AV node and causes vasodilation, lowering both heart rate and blood pressure. When these effects reduce cerebral perfusion enough, a patient can faint—known as syncope. This is a common and clinically important side effect, especially if someone is dehydrated or taking other blood-pressure–lowering medications. Nausea can occur, but it’s not as characteristic, and hyperglycemia is not a typical effect. So the scenario most consistent with verapamil’s profile is fainting from a drop in both heart rate and blood pressure.

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that slows conduction through the AV node and causes vasodilation, lowering both heart rate and blood pressure. When these effects reduce cerebral perfusion enough, a patient can faint—known as syncope. This is a common and clinically important side effect, especially if someone is dehydrated or taking other blood-pressure–lowering medications. Nausea can occur, but it’s not as characteristic, and hyperglycemia is not a typical effect. So the scenario most consistent with verapamil’s profile is fainting from a drop in both heart rate and blood pressure.

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