What is a therapeutic effect of verapamil?

A. Bleeding: Heparin enhances the activity of antithrombin III, which inhibits clotting factors and prolongs clotting time. This mechanism increases the risk for bleeding, making it the most common and clinically significant adverse effect requiring close monitoring.

B. Hyperglycemia: Heparin does not interfere with insulin secretion or glucose metabolism. Elevated blood glucose levels are more commonly associated with corticosteroids, stress responses, or uncontrolled diabetes rather than anticoagulant therapy.

C. Constipation: Heparin does not affect gastrointestinal motility. Constipation is more frequently linked to opioid analgesics, anticholinergic medications, or reduced fluid and fiber intake.

D. Thrombus: Heparin is used to prevent and treat thrombus formation by inhibiting coagulation pathways. While heparin-induced thrombocytopenia can paradoxically increase clot risk, thrombus formation is not a typical direct side effect.

A. Controlled blood glucose: Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker and does not affect glucose metabolism. It has no role in managing diabetes or controlling blood glucose levels.

B. Enhanced cognitive function: Verapamil does not improve cognition or memory. Its pharmacologic action is focused on the cardiovascular system rather than the central nervous system.

C. Increased muscle strength: Verapamil does not influence skeletal muscle strength. Its mechanism targets smooth and cardiac muscle by inhibiting calcium influx, primarily affecting vascular tone and heart contractility.

D. Decreased blood pressure: Verapamil causes vasodilation by blocking calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, which reduces systemic vascular resistance and lowers blood pressure. It is used therapeutically to manage hypertension and certain cardiac arrhythmias.