Verapamil HCl 8% Transdermal Cream is a specially compounded medication designed to deliver the active ingredient, Verapamil HCl, directly through the skin. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that is traditionally used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders when taken orally. However, in this transdermal formulation, it is used for different indications, such as the treatment of Peyronie's disease and plantar fibromatosis. The 8% concentration ensures a potent dose of the medication is available for local action.

The cream is compounded into a semisolid base that allows for easy application and absorption into the skin. The inclusion of a pump mechanism in the packaging is designed to provide a convenient and controlled method of dispensing the medication, ensuring consistent dosing with each use. This is particularly beneficial for patients who require a precise amount of medication to be applied to a localized area.

For Peyronie's disease, Verapamil works by disrupting the production of collagen and fibronectin by fibroblasts, potentially reducing the size and discomfort of plaques that cause penile curvature and pain during erections. In the case of plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose's disease, Verapamil may help to break down the fibrous tissue nodules that form on the soles of the feet, providing relief from pain and discomfort associated with walking.

It is important for both patients and prescribers to understand that the use of Verapamil HCl in a transdermal cream form for these conditions is considered off-label, and the effectiveness can vary from patient to patient. Monitoring for side effects, such as skin irritation or systemic effects, is recommended. As with any medication, adherence to the prescribed regimen and proper application technique is crucial for achieving the best therapeutic outcomes.

For more detailed information on Verapamil HCl 8% Transdermal Cream, or if you have any questions regarding this formulation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of compounding pharmacists is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and guidance to ensure the safe and effective use of our compounded medications.

Verapamil HCl is a calcium channel blocker that is commonly used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders when taken orally. As a transdermal cream, it may be used for localized treatment of conditions such as plantar fibromatosis (Ledderhose disease) and Peyronie's disease, where its ability to inhibit fibroblast proliferation can be beneficial. However, even when applied topically, verapamil can be absorbed systemically and may interact with other medications. It is important for both patients and prescribers to be aware of these potential interactions.

When using Verapamil HCl 8% Transdermal Cream, patients should be cautious if they are also taking other medications that affect heart rhythm, such as beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol), digoxin, or amiodarone, as there may be an increased risk of bradycardia or heart block. Combining verapamil with drugs that lower blood pressure can also potentiate the hypotensive effects, which may require close monitoring of blood pressure and dosage adjustments.

Verapamil is known to inhibit the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme, which is responsible for the metabolism of many drugs. Consequently, concurrent use with medications that are substrates of CYP3A4 can lead to increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, potentially causing toxicity. Examples include, but are not limited to, statins (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin), certain immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus), and some antiviral drugs (e.g., saquinavir). Patients should be advised to inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

Patients on anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin, should be monitored for changes in prothrombin time or INR, as verapamil can affect the metabolism of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Additionally, concurrent use with other drugs that have a risk of causing QT prolongation should be approached with caution, as the additive effect may increase the risk of developing arrhythmias.

Grapefruit juice can also interact with verapamil by inhibiting CYP3A4, leading to increased levels of verapamil in the blood. Patients should be advised to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while using this medication. Alcohol may enhance the sedative and blood pressure-lowering effects of verapamil, and it is generally recommended to limit alcohol consumption during treatment.

It is essential for patients to discuss their full medical history with their healthcare provider, including any history of heart disease, liver dysfunction, or kidney impairment, as these conditions may influence the safety and efficacy of verapamil treatment. The healthcare provider should also be informed about any recent surgeries or upcoming procedures.

For any questions or concerns regarding the use of Verapamil HCl 8% Transdermal Cream and potential drug interactions, please reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of compounding pharmacists is here to provide guidance and support to ensure safe and effective treatment for our patients.

Verapamil HCl 8% Transdermal Cream is a specially formulated medication that is applied directly to the skin. Verapamil, the active ingredient in this cream, is a calcium channel blocker that is commonly used to treat various cardiovascular conditions when taken orally. However, when formulated into a transdermal cream, it can be used for different localized therapeutic effects. The 8% concentration refers to the amount of Verapamil HCl present in the cream, which is tailored to provide an effective dose upon application to the skin.

The mechanism of action of Verapamil involves the inhibition of calcium ion influx across cell membranes. In the context of cardiovascular treatments, this action leads to a decrease in cardiac contractility, a reduction in the workload of the heart, and dilation of arteries, which can lower blood pressure. However, when applied topically as a transdermal cream, Verapamil can exert local effects such as reducing the severity of Peyronie's disease by decreasing the collagen deposition and fibrosis in the penile tissue. It may also be used off-label for the treatment of plantar fibromatosis, where it can help in reducing the size and tenderness of fibrous tissue nodules on the feet.

The transdermal cream formulation allows for the drug to be absorbed through the skin, targeting the affected area more directly and potentially reducing systemic side effects. The semisolid preparation is designed to be easily spreadable and absorbed into the skin. The pump mechanism of the container dispenses a controlled amount of cream, ensuring consistent dosing and minimizing waste. This method of application is non-invasive and can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills or for those who require a localized effect of the medication.

It is important for patients and prescribers to understand that while Verapamil HCl 8% Transdermal Cream can provide benefits for certain localized conditions, it may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with known hypersensitivity to Verapamil or any of the excipients in the cream should not use this product. Additionally, the effects of the transdermal cream may be influenced by the site of application, the presence of skin barriers, and individual patient factors. Monitoring for potential side effects, such as local skin reactions, is also necessary.

For prescribers considering this formulation for their patients, it is crucial to evaluate the potential benefits and risks on an individual basis. The pharmacists at Bayview Pharmacy are available to provide further information on the formulation, guidance on appropriate use, and support for any questions or concerns regarding Verapamil HCl 8% Transdermal Cream. Please reach out to us for personalized assistance and to ensure the best possible outcomes for your patients.

Verapamil HCl 8% Transdermal Cream, while commonly utilized for the treatment of conditions like plantar fibromatosis (Ledderhose disease) and Peyronie's disease, has other therapeutic applications owing to its properties as a calcium channel blocker. Its ability to alter cellular calcium uptake can benefit patients with certain circulatory problems. For example, verapamil has been employed off-label to alleviate symptoms of chronic refractory anal fissures. By reducing sphincter tone, verapamil transdermal cream may promote blood flow and healing in the anal region. Another potential use involves the off-label treatment of localized hypertrophic or keloid scar tissue. In this context, verapamil's interference with collagen synthesis can potentially soften and flatten hypertrophic scars, improving their appearance and possibly reducing associated discomfort or itchiness.

Beyond these applications, researchers are investigating verapamil's transdermal delivery for systemic uses, such as treating hypertension or angina, although these are not typical uses for this cream formulation and should be approached with caution. The transdermal route offers benefits in terms of bypassing first-pass metabolism and providing a more consistent plasma concentration of the drug. However, appropriate dosing regimens for systemic effects via transdermal application are not well-established, and patients should not use this cream for such purposes without the express guidance of a healthcare professional.

In all cases, the effectiveness and safety of Verapamil HCl 8% Transdermal Cream for off-label uses have not been confirmed by FDA-approved research, and this preparation should only be used under the direct supervision of a physician. Patients being treated for indications other than plantar fibromatosis or Peyronie's disease should be closely monitored for effectiveness and potential side effects. If you have any questions about the application of Verapamil HCl Transdermal Cream for other uses or would like to explore its potential in treating other conditions, please reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy for further information and guidance. We are here to support patients and prescribers with evidence-based advice and personalized care.