Verapamil — The Calcium Channel Blocker and Autophagy Inducer
Verapamil is a widely prescribed calcium channel blocker traditionally used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. In longevity research, it has gained attention for its ability to induce cytoprotective autophagy and extend lifespan in model organisms by modulating intracellular calcium signalling.
Mechanism of Action
Verapamil is a non-dihydropyridine L-type calcium channel blocker that reduces intracellular calcium influx. Lower intracellular calcium inhibits the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. Inhibition of calcineurin downstream promotes the activation of autophagy, independent of the mTOR pathway. This enhanced autophagic flux facilitates the clearance of damaged organelles and aggregated proteins, which is a key mechanism proposed for its lifespan-extending effects observed in model organisms.
Human Trial Evidence
No published human longevity trials. Animal/in-vitro evidence only. It is widely used in humans for hypertension and arrhythmias, but its specific effects on human aging and lifespan remain uncharacterised in clinical trials.
Dosing Protocol
120–480 mg/day orally in divided doses or extended-release formulations for cardiovascular indications. Prescription required. Optimal dosing for longevity or autophagy induction in humans is unestablished.
Safety & Contraindications
Common adverse effects include constipation, dizziness, hypotension, and bradycardia. Contraindicated in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction, hypotension, or second- or third-degree atrioventricular block. Significant drug interactions exist due to its inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein. Prescription required.