Verapamil: an effective calcium blocking agent for pediatric patients.

Verapamil is a slow-channel calcium-blocking agent that has been released recently by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias in all age groups. Its primary action is to slow conduction in the atrioventricular node, thereby abolishing those types of supraventricular tachycardia using the atrioventricular node as a part of the reentry circuit or slowing the ventricular rate in someone with atrial flutter. Other investigations have shown that it is likely to relieve left ventricular outflow obstruction in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Because of its potential widespread usefulness in the pediatric population, all pediatricians should be more aware of how it is used and the potential hazards. The methods of administration and treatment of overdoses as well as indications for usage, contraindications, and adverse reactions will be explained.