Calan

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Calan

Uses
This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By blocking calcium, verapamil relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heartbeats. Verapamil is used to treat chest pain (angina), high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible problems related to use of short-acting calcium channel blockers.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Calan

How To Use

This medication should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
This medication must be taken as directed to prevent chest pain.
It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's permission.
Chest pain can occur if the medication is stopped too fast.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Side Effects

This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days.
Avoid activities requiring alertness.
When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness.
You may also experience weakness, fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps, headache, flushing or constipation.
These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
Inform your doctor if they become bothersome.
Notify your doctor if you develop breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet or an irregular heartbeat.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), heart problems (e.g., heart rhythm disturbances, heart failure), liver or kidney disease, very low blood pressure, muscular dystrophy or brain tumors (cancer).
Before heart surgery, tell your doctor you use this medicine.
Limit alcohol intake.
Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug is excreted into breast milk and a decision should be made whether to stop the drug or avoid breast-feeding.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of beta-blockers, cimetidine, cyclosporine and digoxin.
Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples).
These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products.
Avoid grapefruit juice while using this medication, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.