VERAPAMIL DELETERIOUS EFFECTS IN CHRONIC-RENAL-FAILURE

Three hypertensive patients with chronic renal failure treated with sl ow-release verapamil at the recommended doses for high blood pressure experienced acute deleterious effects shortly after treatment (6 h to 3 days). Patients developed slow cardiac rhythms (junctional bradycard ia or atrial fibrillation), hypotension and hyperkalemia, Consequently they also had oliguria and worsening of the renal function. Inotropic support, fluid therapy and potassium-lowering measures were able to r estore the renal function and sinus rhythm after 10-12 h. Only 7 simil ar cases have been described so far. It is suggested that slow-release formulations of verapamil must be used with caution in hypertensive p atients with impaired renal function.