Verapamil, a derivative of papaverine, originally developed as an antianginal drug is a highly effective antiarrhythmic drug against supraventricular tachyarrhythmias when administered intravenously. It is not a ~-adrenoceptor blocking agent (~-blocker) and differs from other antiarrhythmic agents in its mode of action. Verapamil also provides an alternative drug in the treatment of angina pectoris when the use of a ~­ blocking drug is not possible because of bronchial asthma or peripheral vascular disease. Becauseof its property of lowering vascular resistance, verapamil has also been tried in hypertension. Verapamil can be administered by intravenous (Smg ampoules) or by the oral (40 and 80mg tablets) route.