Drug interactions
Metformin + Verapamil
Severity: Moderate
Metformin and Verapamil: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Verapamil may reduce hepatic uptake of metformin, which can blunt its glucose-lowering effect. The effect is generally modest but may be noticeable in some patients with diabetes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metformin and Verapamil can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Metformin belongs to Endocrine; Verapamil belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Verapamil inhibits organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1)-mediated hepatic uptake of metformin, reducing its hepatic action.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c when verapamil is started or stopped. Adjust the metformin dose if glycemic control worsens.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Verapamil
- Dofetilide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lomitapide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Verapamil Major
Other interactions of Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metformin with Verapamil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metformin and Verapamil can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Verapamil may reduce hepatic uptake of metformin, which can blunt its glucose-lowering effect. The effect is generally modest but may be noticeable in some patients with diabetes.
How serious is the interaction between Metformin and Verapamil?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c when verapamil is started or stopped. Adjust the metformin dose if glycemic control worsens.
What other medicines interact with Verapamil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Verapamil with, for example, Dofetilide, Flibanserin, Lomitapide. The full list is on the Verapamil page.
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