Verapamil MR 120 mg vs half tablet Verapress MR 240 mg

[carer999]

The cardiologist wrote to my GP prescribing Verapamil MR 120 mg one a day. My GP has prescribed Verapress MR 240 mg, half a table a day. Is there any difference?

Previous experience of cutting tablets in half has not been good. Also my understanding of MR (modified release) tablets is that they should not chewed or crushed. Cutting is the same as this as you are breaking the outer coating. Does this matter.

[Hidden]

As far as I’m aware, there’s no difference - verapress is just a brand name of generic verapamil. My understanding is also that you generally shouldn’t split MR pills, though, and having just checked, the EMC entry for Verapress clearly states the score line is only to facilitate breaking to take the whole tablet more easily in one go, and should not be used to split the dose:

medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

I’ve checked the SPS list of current medication shortages and verapamil is not on there, so I’m not sure why the GP has prescribed this over the 120mg tabs your consultant prescribed. I would definitely contact the GP and ask them to explain before doing anything with the tabs you’ve been given.

[carer999 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the link. I didn't know that web site existed

[Qualipop]

Why don't you ask the chemist? They know more about tablets than GPs do. I certainly wouldn't cut coated tablets.

[carer999 in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm just trying to get as much information as possible. From reading I think I found the 240 mg tablets cut in half is cheaper than two lots of 120 mg tablets

[carer999]

A result. Finally sorted out my perscription. Issues included the GP not stating SR version s I got the standard version . Today collected 120 mg SR which was what the consultant perscribed. Thanks for the advice.